Next Phase of the 150 Forward Strategic Plan
Building on the momentum of records in enrollment, graduation rates, research conducted and economic impact provided, the University of Arkansas is reaching higher with ambitious goals to increase student success, grow support for students across Arkansas, and expand the positive impact of U of A research.
As a part of the next phase of the university’s strategic plan, the 150 Forward Reaching Higher goals provide bold targets to advance the university’s land-grant mission:
Pillar I: Student Success
- Increase the U of A six-year graduation rate to 80%
In support of this goal, the university is determined to grow scholarship funding for Arkansans in financial need by $200 million with the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, providing additional access to deserving students in Arkansas while helping them stay in school and graduate with ongoing mentoring, academic coaching, financial planning assistance, and career readiness support.
Pillar II: Research Excellence
- Grow the amount of research the university conducts annually to $500 million
These goals and others, along with key metrics to monitor progress, are included in the three overarching pillars of the university’s strategic plan, providing colleges, schools and units a guide for moving in the same direction, attaining institutional alignment with the stated goals as One University.
Pillar I
Student Success
The University of Arkansas will offer unparalleled access to a holistic education that is designed to help our students grow, contribute, and thrive throughout their lives and in their communities from matriculation to graduation.
150 Forward Reaching Higher Goal:
Increase the U of A six-year graduation rate to 80%
Pillar II
Research Excellence
The University relentlessly pursues its land-grant mission by promoting scientific inquiry, knowledge creation, and creative works that integrate and coordinate education, research, and service activities.
150 Forward Reaching Higher Goal:
Grow the amount of research conducted annually to $500 million
Pillar III
Employer of Choice
The University of Arkansas is committed to fostering a work environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging, works toward a meaningful purpose, and has the data, resources, connections and foundation of support to be most effective, grow and advance their careers, and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Strategic Planning Resources
A Campuswide Collaboration
The 150 Forward Strategic Planning Group led a campuswide effort to develop goals, objectives, strategies and metrics for the plan. The effort included town hall discussions, unit and organization level listening sessions and discussions, workshops and goal-setting sessions with college, school and support unit representatives.
150 Forward Overview, Schedule and Definitions
From pillars to tactics, this planning guide provides an overview of the university’s strategic planning process including foundational definitions and scope. The completed plan serves as a guide for colleges, schools and units as they work to align strategies to advance shared goals.
150 Forward Update and EAB Resources Overview
A recording of the 150 Forward Update and EAB Resources Overview learning session is available to members of University of Arkansas campus community. The session was conducted with EAB, a firm specializing in higher education that is partnering with the university on various aspects of the planning process. University community members also have access to the slides used as a part of the session.
Access EAB Resources
The university community has access to EAB benchmarking, white papers and other helpful resources. Go to EAB.com, click login, select create account and register to access available resources.
Phase 1
November 2022 – January 2023
Planning Group Designs Process and Codifies Strategic Priority Areas
Phase 2
February 2023 – August 2023
Campus Community Sets Goals and Quantifiable Objectives
Phase 3
Fall 2023
Colleges, Schools and Campus Units develop unit-specific Strategies and Tactics; overarching plan completed in December 2023
Phase 4
Ongoing
Refinement, evaluation and reporting of progress
150 Forward Progress Updates
Achieving Research Excellence
Streamed live on April 22, 2025
Advancing Student Success
Streamed live on April 15, 2025
Enhancing the University’s Status as an Employer of Choice
Streamed live on April 10, 2025