Photo by Madi Hermeyer

Washington University developed a decade-long strategic plan called “Here and Next” to advance research efforts and extend community success to a global level. Today’s launch of the plan is the culmination of 18 months of strategizing between students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners about the future of the University.

The strategic vision, spearhead by Provost Beverly Wendland, centers itself around five guiding principles: academic distinction, community impact, global perspective, equity, and stewardship.

The plan aims to invest in research excellence, faculty support, and the well-being of the St. Louis community through a series of initiatives that include the School of Public Health, the Center for the Environment, and the Institute for Digital Transformation. 

Efforts focus on exploring academic partnerships, supporting interdisciplinary projects, leading as a model for community outreach, and training upcoming leaders to find equitable and accessible solutions to public health issues in St. Louis.

“We plan to establish the university and our home, St. Louis, as a global hub for transformative solutions,” Chancellor Andrew Martin said to The Source. “Each member of the WashU community will have a part in cementing this success, and I’m excited to get started.”

In October, community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the “Here and Next” project goals through a series of in-person and webinar events that work to explain and promote strategic plan objectives. Special events throughout the year, including those with renowned guest speakers, can be found on the “Here and Next” website.

“We invite all faculty, students and staff to find their place in this plan,” Wendland said to The Source. “We want you to take this journey with us during the next decade at WashU, because the actions we take now will shape our university for generations to come.”