Strategic Plan 2027 - 2031

As USD concludes its 2020-2026 Strategic Plan, we are beginning work on our next strategic plan, which will guide the university in the years ahead. The previous plan helped focus our priorities and led to meaningful progress across the institution. A summary of these shared accomplishments is available in the 2020-2026 Strategic Plan Report, which you can find below.

Building on that success, the 2027-2031 Strategic Plan will provide a forward‑looking framework that reflects USD's mission, responds to a changing higher education landscape and positions the university for long‑term success.

Strategic Plan Timeline

This three-phase planning process is designed to create a strategic plan that is both ambitious and actionable. Beginning with broad institutional themes, the process defines success, establishes university-wide goals, and identifies the action steps needed to move strategy into execution. Together, these phases create a clear path toward achieving the university’s vision for 2031.

2027 - 2031 Strategic Planning Steering Committee & Task Force

The Strategic Planning Task Force plays a key role in leading our strategic planning efforts. Their work includes synthesizing input from across the institution, identifying themes and goals, designing a path from strategy to action, and ensuring continued alignment and success as the plan is executed. This task force, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, the Executive Committee and the AASCU consultant will work collaboratively to guide our strategic planning efforts in the months and years to come.

Steering Committee Members:

Kurt Hackemer
Neil Fulton
Jessica Messersmith

Task Force Members:

Laura Anderton
Joel Sander
Sara Mart
Melissa Berninger
Victor Huber
Heather Anderson
Kari Oyen
Connor Peterson
Brian Limoges
Amy Laursen
Noah Shepard
Ryan Johnson
Hannah Haksgaard

Damon Leader Charge
Anne Pithan
Kory Zimney
Melissa Tabke
Bryant Jackson
Jordan Decker
Lindsey Peterson
Ben Hagen
Tony Krus
Amanda Huber
Madison Mills
Jessica Preister

We Welcome Your Feedback

Share your ideas, questions, or feedback about the strategic plan by emailing our team.

Contact Us

Reflecting on Success, Planning for the Future

The university is currently in the final year of our 2020–2026 Strategic Plan; click the button below to explore our previous milestones and current objectives.

2020-2026 Strategic Plan Report

Strategic Plan