Better Together - Institutional Strategic Framework (ISF) 2030

Background

Better Together reflects our belief that the University’s strength lies in collaboration, shared purpose, and a commitment to student success, excellence, and community engagement; anchored in our mission, vision, and values.

The four strategic pillars, distinct yet unified, define our priorities, guide our actions, and position the University for lasting impact over the next five years. The pillars include: Thriving Students, Lasting Impact, Expanding our Reach & Deepening Our Roots, Bridging Voices & Vision, and Future-Focused Academic Excellence.

As a hallmark of the GovState student experience, relational teaching directly supports and reinforces each pillar of our strategic framework.

---

Strategic Plan

The University finds itself uniquely positioned to build and expand on the successes of our rich past to take the necessary steps to respond to the needs of future students while providing our exceptional GovState culture and learning experiences.

---

Mission

Governors State University (GovState) is committed to offering an exceptional and accessible education that prepares students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in a global society.

---

Vision

GovState will create an intellectually stimulating public square, serve as an economic catalyst for the region, and lead as a model of academic excellence, innovation, diversity and responsible citizenship.

---

Core Values

• • Invest in Student Success through a commitment to mentoring and a deliberate university focus on student achievement of academic, professional and personal goals.
• • Provide Opportunity and Access to a first-class public education to residents of our surrounding communities and all those traditionally underserved by higher education.
• • Serve as an Economic Catalyst for the citizens of the State of Illinois and our larger Midwest region, so that our communities grow and flourish.
• • Prepare Stewards of our Future to thrive in the global economy, to contribute to ongoing innovative research and to serve as stewards of the environment.
• • Demonstrate Inclusiveness and Diversity to encourage acceptance of wide-ranging perspectives among students, staff, faculty and members of the broader community.
• • Promote Quality of Life, which encompasses civic, personal, professional and cultural growth.

---

Pillars

Our guiding pillars are helping us to empower the next generation of leaders to develop creative solutions to the global challenges of our time.

---

From Strategic Planning to Strategic Execution (AY25–26)

Starting in the fall 2025 semester, 8 working groups, engaging more than 60 faculty and staff, continued refining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), action plans, and implementation roadmaps.

Spring 2026 Planned Timeline:

• • January 2026 – Feedback on refined KPIs to working group and continued work on action plans.
• • February 2026 – Board of Trustees update; begin early implementation and pilot initiatives.
• • March 2026 – Cross-pillar collaboration; identify synergies and shared resources.
• • April 2026 – Finalize documentation for ISF 2030; campus recognition of early achievements.

Full Timeline and Implementation Plan

---

Strategic Planning Committee

---

Working Groups and Planning Process

---

Message from the President

“This is our time to reimagine GovState. We must continue to transform our campus by fostering a culture centered on supporting a diverse student population through innovative partnerships within our community.”

President Joyce Ester

---

Conversation About Better Together

---

Helpful Links