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. The world has changed since we began our journey three years ago and the Strategy continues to evolve to reflect and respond to those changes. Below are a few examples of deliverables planned for next year. More details on how the strategy will continue its evolution will be shared in mid-September as the Fall Semester moves into full swing.  

Research

  • Maintain research expenditures above $50 million
  • Increase research funding awarded from non-federal sources by 25%

Education

  • 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
  • Consider an interdisciplinary common experience for all students

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
  • Identify and build additional human capacity for facilitating community-building conversations among groups of students, faculty and staff  

Infrastructure

  • Support the use of AI to address 3 major challenges to enhance efficiency or improve operations 
  • Create a structure for corporate partnerships and co-location on Mountaintop
  • Streamline the process for holding internal events in Mountaintop conference facilities

 

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.