Skip to main content
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning advances William & Mary's vision, mission and values. In February 2026, President Katherine A. Rowe launched the university's next planning process focused on the components of national preeminence.
A Shared Definition for National Preeminence
The imperative for "preeminence" comes from W&M's mission statement. For W&M, preeminence means our distinctive public liberal arts and sciences model reliably delivers elite results on a focused set of national metrics — student demand, research, academic excellence, and outcomes — creating a virtuous cycle that amplifies talent, resources, and impact.
During the strategic planning process, the W&M community will think in an entrepreneurial way about how we might seize opportunities in these key areas. The foundation of these four cornerstones provides a fifth area of focus: the professional well-being of W&M’s talented faculty and staff.
Opportunity Statements
W&M's strategic planning process is anchored by five opportunity statements. During Spring 2026, the W&M community will explore the questions:
How might the Alma Mater of the Nation...
- Create demand among talented students from around the nation and world?
- Define the best preparation for citizens and professionals in the age of AI?
- Lead a key set of high-impact areas that distinguish W&M in today's most consequential arenas?
- Be known as the cradle of leadership and leaders?
- Create a culture of professional well-being to attract & retain the very best faculty and staff?