In meetings January 13-14, the Bryant Board of Trustees reviewed, discussed and strongly endorsed the concepts of the University’s holistic Vision 2030 strategic plan, which sets a trajectory for the next decade. With Vision 2030, Bryant University will be positioned to increase enrollment and diversify the student population through focus on delivering a superior student educational and campus life experience, competitive athletics and unmatched return on education investment for future generations of global leaders.
“Our vision for Bryant’s future positions the University for preeminence in educating the next generation of Real-World-Ready leaders,” said Chair of the Bryant University Board of Trustees David M. Beirne ‘85. “Bryant’s Vision 2030 strategic plan expands the breadth and impact of the University’s top-ranked academic programs and best-in-class facilities.”
Overview
The Vision 2030 strategic plan reconfirms Bryant’s unmatched institutional-wide commitment to educating our students to be real-world ready and succeed, with graduates achieving life-long earnings among the top 2% nationally.
“Vision 2030 takes Bryant’s unique interdisciplinary curriculum and vibrant student life to the next level, building on the strong foundation of our transformative learning experience and commitment to student learning, engagement and success,” said University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “It adds innovative academic programs in high demand, supports experiential learning and invests in world-class facilities and technology that provide a highly engaging and rewarding learning environment for our students.”
“Embedded throughout every aspect of this strategic plan is the commitment to increasing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging,” said Trustee Rita Williams Bogar ’76, President of the National Alumni Council and Chair of the Trustee Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
In strategic planning sessions held over the past 18 months, Bryant’s faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends have been engaged in a process that has generated a great deal of excitement and momentum. Initiatives endorsed by the Bryant University Board of Trustees call for a series of significant capital investments and philanthropic commitments in support of facilities; academic excellence initiatives and faculty programs; student life initiatives; diversity, equity and inclusion; scholarships; athletics; and endowment.
Academic Initiatives
“Bryant’s focus on student outcomes and commitment to academic innovation delivers superior results that meet the demands of today’s workplace and build strong character and global mindset in our graduates,” said Associate/Interim Provost Wendy Samter, Ph.D. “Our faculty made important contributions to all of the strategic plan committees and have done exceptional work in developing an innovative experiential learning curriculum and exploring what general education requirements should be at the heart of every Bryant education, and where we can empower students by creating flexibility for them to create their path and tailor their educational experience. These skills, together with the University’s investment in academics and enriched student life experiences, are what will further separate Bryant graduates from the rest.”
A centerpiece of Vision 2030 is the commitment to education for 21st century skills, knowledge, and emerging career opportunities by expanding the University’s health and behavioral sciences and entrepreneurship programming. Initiatives to further distinguish Bryant’s academic excellence include:
- experiential learning opportunities in all four years and all academic disciplines, including a first-year career launch course and a junior-year design sprint building on the Innovation and Design Experience for All (IDEA) program’s design-thinking skills
- additional undergraduate majors in Healthcare Informatics, Exercise Science, Industrial Management/Business Engineering, and undergraduate concentrations in Data Science and Healthcare Analytics, with program start dates to be announced this spring
- a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurship to be introduced in fall 2022
- a major in Digital Communication to be introduced in fall 2022
- graduate certificates in Fintech, Actuarial Mathematics, and Risk and Crisis Communication
- new Master’s degree programs in Data Science, Actuarial Mathematics, and Taxation
- strategic cluster hires of new faculty with expertise in disciplines that expand the breadth of expertise for Bryant’s accomplished faculty.
Facilities, Student Life and DEI Initiatives
Dr. Inge-Lise Ameer, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, noted, “The addition of a new, world-class dining facility, updated residence halls, outdoor gathering spaces, bringing the Country Comfort pub back to campus, arts and entertainment gathering spaces and entrepreneurship spaces, added to Bryant’s already incredible facilities and grounds, is a game changer. The safe and inclusive campus life at Bryant University is a major differentiator for our student life and with Vision 2030 we just went to another level.”
The significant investments in the overall student experience we have committed to include:
- a new, state-of-the-art dining and gathering space planned for completion in 2023-2024
- more than $22 million in immediate residence hall enhancements
- a multi-purpose Convocation Center with basketball arena and performing and visual art space
- a Business-STEM learning hub, new Health and Behavioral Sciences labs and classrooms
- Country Comfort townhouse pub
- pavilions for outdoor gatherings and multiple initiatives designed to expand spaces available for outdoor student life and engagement
- expansion of the Fisher Student Center
Vision 2030’s interconnected concepts will be further developed and refined this spring with continued community engagement, then implemented in multiple phases over the next decade. We look forward to continuing to keep the Bryant community updated and informed of our progress.
