PennWest University today unveiled its new Strategic Plan, a three-year roadmap designed to build opportunities, advance student success and strengthen the communities the university serves. 

Developed through a collaborative process involving students, faculty, staff, alumni and other university stakeholders, the plan places the student experience at the center of PennWest’s priorities and decision-making. It is guided by a defining principle: Every decision should strengthen the student experience and improve student outcomes. 

“This plan gives PennWest a clear and focused path forward,” said James Fisher, interim president of PennWest. “It reflects the voices of our university community and establishes shared priorities that will help us serve students more effectively, respond to workforce needs and create lasting value across Western Pennsylvania and beyond.” 

The plan is structured around four Pillars of Student Success: 

From access to graduation and beyond 

The plan’s initiatives address the full student journey. PennWest will develop a “No Wrong Door” student navigation and case-resolution model so students receive clear, coordinated support regardless of where they first seek help. The university also will expand pathways for adult, transfer and workforce-aligned learners and make affordability information clearer and more actionable for students and families. 

Within the classroom, PennWest will strengthen evidence-based teaching practices, integrate advising and academic support more directly into the learning experience, and prepare graduates to use artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies responsibly and effectively. Outside the classroom, the university will create a clearer Student Promise, expand cross-campus engagement and strengthen onboarding, advising and early support. 

The plan also calls for career and workforce readiness to be integrated throughout the student experience. PennWest will deepen employer and alumni partnerships, connect academic programs more clearly to career opportunities and build the infrastructure needed to provide equitable access to internships and other hands-on learning experiences. 

Grounded in PennWest’s mission, vision and values 

The Strategic Plan builds upon PennWest’s existing mission to provide accessible education through innovation, academic excellence and empowering environments while cultivating career-ready, lifelong learners and leaders who enrich their communities, the region and beyond. 

The plan also advances the university’s vision of empowering students to achieve meaningful goals through high-quality academic programs, career-focused learning and support systems that foster lifelong success. 

PennWest’s five existing values — Learning, Growth, Inclusion, Collaboration and Culture — will continue to guide the university’s work and the implementation of the Strategic Plan. 

Accountability and implementation 

Designated leaders and cross-functional teams will be responsible for implementation. Annual action plans will identify priorities, timelines, resources and success measures. Progress will be reviewed regularly to ensure accountability and adjustments made as needed based on performance and available resources.  

The complete Strategic Plan is available at pennwest.edu/strategic-plan.