Entering Year Four, we are committed to ensuring the Inspiring the Future Makers strategy continues to be flexible in order to rise to the challenges of today. Below are select deliverables and key projects planned for the year ahead. More details on how the strategy will continue its evolution will be shared in the Fall 2026 semester. 

Research

  • Maintain research expenditures above $50 million
  • Increase research funding awarded from non-federal sources by 25%
  • Increase research output measures by 10%
  • Grow University Research Centers expenditures by 25%

Education

  • Launch FYRE program by Fall of 2027
  • Integrate AI into 20 majors across campus and ensure that AI-related changes are assessed
  • Determine baseline number of faculty utilizing “Lehigh User-Designed Inquiry (LUDI) approaches” in their teaching and grow that number, with LUDI-focused teaching instruction for all new faculty
  • Increase the overall new graduate student headcount (aiming for a 20% net increase in Summer/Fall 2027 from the Summer/Fall 2026 enrollment)
  • Embed robust professional development into doctoral training for all first-year doctoral students
  • Create the Graduate Student Services infrastructure within existing resource lines to align with Lehigh’s expanding enrollment, including, university-wide programming supporting graduate student success and enrollment/graduate program admissions
  • Revise policies to lower barriers to allow for more interdisciplinary education
  • Consider an interdisciplinary common experience for all students
  • Launch tool to assess students’ sense of purpose beyond the first year

Community

  • Define and support a community advisory framework  
  • Activate Mountaintop campus facilities by partnering with Mountaintop, the Arts and Libraries and Athletics on collaborative seasonal programming to welcome both Lehigh and non-LU visitors to Mountaintop
  • Elevate Lehigh’s visible presence throughout downtown Bethlehem commercial districts in partnership with Southside Arts District and Bethlehem Chamber, connecting local merchants with Athletics, Arts and Libraries, and campus engagement assets
  • Identify and build additional human capacity for facilitating community-building conversations among groups of students, faculty and staff  
  • Implement Title-VI bystander training for 25% of students

Infrastructure

  • Support the use of AI to address 3 major challenges to enhance efficiency or improve operations 
  • Create tools needed for broad deployment of the Lehigh Enterprise Analytics Platform to non-technical staff
  • Develop common data fluency and AI expectations for all job descriptions
  • Make final decisions regarding graduate housing and conference center on Mountaintop
  • Create a structure for corporate partnerships and co-location on Mountaintop
  • Streamline the process for holding internal events in Mountaintop conference facilities
  • Increase conference services income by 25%, focusing on income from external sources

 

The accomplishments of the past year speak to our dedication and determination as a community. We must remain focused and intentional in our efforts as we enter the coming year. Our community consistently rises to the moment and makes genuine progress as we shape our future. 

To find opportunities for engagement and to provide feedback, visit our News & Engagement Opportunities page and follow our progress and news through the Lehigh Strategy topic on The Perch.

Thank you for your commitment to the Lehigh Strategy and for your work in the year ahead.