Three years into implementing our Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, we continue to build momentum and make progress across research, education, community and infrastructure at Lehigh. Thanks to the hard work of faculty, staff, students and partners, we are shaping the future together and progressing toward our goals to be a leader in student outcomes, be more deeply interdisciplinary in our educational programs, double research activity and ensure Lehigh is a place where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. Real progress happens when we move forward with a shared purpose—to Make it New, Make a Difference and Make it Together, our three overarching goals.
This report shares our progress from Year Three, celebrating key milestones and accomplishments, reflecting on insights and opportunities, and looking ahead to our goals for the coming year. As we chart our path for Year Four and beyond, the Inspiring the Future Makers strategy will evolve and adapt to meet the challenges of today. More details on this evolution will be shared in the Fall 2026 semester.
Milestones and Achievements
The four themes that underpin the plan—Research, Education, Community and Infrastructure—detail the work that teams across the university are doing. Learn more about the efforts in these areas below.
Research
Through our work on institutionalizing research support structures, creating opportunities for industry connections, and scaling our University Research Centers (URCs) in Year Three, Lehigh has continued to create an environment where pragmatic research can translate directly into real-world impact.
Education
Over the past year, Lehigh continued to pioneer integrative, student-centered learning across undergraduate and graduate programs. By piloting expanded interdisciplinary pathways, advancing faculty instruction, and embedding artificial intelligence into the academic framework, we continue to cultivate agile problem-solvers equipped for a dynamic world.
Community
In Year Three, Lehigh deepened its commitment to cultivating a culture of belonging on campus and positioned Lehigh as a driving force in building a stronger, more vibrant region. By formalizing institutional frameworks, strengthening regional partnerships, and celebrating inclusive excellence, we continue to build a welcoming, interconnected university community where all students, faculty, staff, and neighbors can thrive.
Infrastructure
Efforts in Year Three include continued modernization of Lehigh’s physical and digital infrastructure to support a dynamic, future-ready institution. By streamlining digital touchpoints, maturing enterprise data capabilities, and maximizing campus assets, we continue to build an operational foundation that empowers our community of future makers to learn, research, and collaborate.
Strategic Insights & Opportunities
Transparency and reflection are essential components of a successful implementation. With that in mind, we continuously welcome community feedback and input to share our collective efforts.
The Work Ahead
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.
Learn more about the deliverables and projects anticipated or already underway for AY 2026-2027.