Villanova University's
Strategic Plan
We Are Villanova.
For more than 175 years, Villanova has been a community that ignites change. Our restless hearts and limitless drive lead us to continually reflect upon who we are, who we want to be, and how our Augustinian Catholic values chart our course.
A truly great academic institution must always seek to evolve and advance. This 10-year Strategic Plan—driven by our shared vision for Villanova—will continue to propel our University forward to a new level of success. A platform from which we, as an institution, can reach higher in serving our students, our community and the world.
As we soar, we never lose sight of our humble origins and the Augustinian values upon which Villanova was built. We remain deeply rooted in the traditions and history that forged our community—and ever restless to become an even greater Villanova.
Our Vision For The Next Decade
The Strategic Plan outlined in this book is an ambitious 10-year effort. Developed through an open and community-based process, this plan has been guided and strengthened by the active participation of more than 5,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and friends.
This plan has truly been created by our community for our community. It will guide the University forward into our next era of greatness by building upon our strengths and enhancing the Villanova experience for our entire community, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and law students, as well as faculty, staff and alumni.
We will create transformative experiences for our students, guided by the wisdom of our Augustinian tradition, and the ideal of melding hearts and minds.
We also recognize a continued need to strengthen our foundation by investing in priorities that underpin all aspects of this plan.
The following pages highlight the aspirations and initiatives that drive and animate Villanova’s Strategic Plan. While these principles will guide us over the next decade, our Strategic Plan is a living document. As a University, we strive to remain nimble and adapt to our changing world in order to best serve our Villanova community—and ignite change across the globe.
Rooted.
Our Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition is the cornerstone of a transformative academic experience dedicated to the continuous development of the whole person. It nurtures a community of learners who are driven to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others.
Villanovans make this University a special place, give voice to our mission and make an impact on the world. We will thoughtfully and intentionally enhance the holistic support we offer to all who come here—allowing them to make the most of their Villanova experience and, in turn, strengthen our entire University. We will enrich our community by living our values in all areas and cultivating a sense of belonging among all Villanovans.
Villanova is a rooted, connected and powerful community. Our initiatives include:
- Strengthen the impact of our Augustinian tradition
- Meet 100% of demonstrated financial need
- Promote institutional diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and enhance dialogue across different perspectives
- Maximize student life and athletic programs to enhance the Villanova experience
- Support the professional development of Villanova staff and faculty
Restless.
Villanova attracts and forges world changers—people who create positive change everywhere life takes them. Augustine’s restless, searching heart echoes on campus and within Villanovans. Our academic experience—unrivaled in higher education—supports students as they discover their unique paths and readies them for lifelong success both personally and professionally.
We must continue to advance dynamic opportunities for learning, growth and the creation of new knowledge. We will continue to value, invest and excel in both teaching and scholarship—championing how their interconnection enriches the academic environment for both faculty and students.
Villanova is a restless, innovative and engaged community of learners—a launching pad for those who seek to ignite change. Our initiatives include:
- Create more opportunities for faculty research and scholarship
- Develop a University-wide initiative to enhance the graduate student experience
- Explore and apply new teaching methods and tools
- Enhance student and alumni career services
Villanova’s Promise
This Strategic Plan strengthens the core of the Villanova experience—advancing our aim to develop students holistically. The following priorities shape an academic community in which students—undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and law—learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others.
Academic Excellence: The Villanova experience is rooted in the collaborative pursuit of knowledge—through which professors and students are partners in learning. This environment provides opportunity for a wide range of academic endeavors, whether it be hands-on research, thought leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration or experiential learning.
Strong Community: At Villanova, we embrace St. Augustine’s belief that we learn best through our relationships and friendships with others. Our community urges self-exploration while rejecting self-centeredness. We believe that it is our ties and connections to one another that allow us to improve ourselves and the world around us.
Personal Attention: Villanova is dedicated to the well-being of every person throughout his or her experience, and long after graduation. There is open collaboration among faculty and students, as well as all community members who are invested in each individual’s journey.
Service To Others: Our Augustinian Catholic values challenge individuals to enrich their own lives by working for those in need. An integral part of our philosophy, academic and service programs allow students to use their knowledge, skills and compassion to better our communities, both locally and globally.
Foundation For Lifelong Success: Villanova’s definition of success reaches beyond job titles and material wealth: We are committed to preparing graduates for both successful careers and rewarding lives. The Villanova experience develops intellectually inspired, morally grounded and globally minded citizens who create positive change everywhere life takes them. The Villanova worldwide network is supportive, expansive and open to all.
the next chapter in the University’s history.
It is a plan that honors our past and our Augustinian Catholic values;
embraces our present and Villanova’s distinctive
experience and exceptional value;
and charts our future, which we will realize
with focus, drive and determination.
We are RESTLESS.
We are VILLANOVA.
