UWG's Strategic Plan
What is UWG Next?
UWG Next is the University of West Georgia's strategic planning process to help guide the university's direction over the next five years and beyond, as UWG approaches its 125th anniversary in 2031.
This process is designed to be collaborative and transparent, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to help shape UWG's priorities and long-term direction. UWG Next represents a shared commitment to listening, learning, and planning thoughtfully for the future of the university.
Why UWG Next Matters
Strategic planning allows UWG to reflect on where it is today and make intentional choices about where it is headed. Through UWG Next, the university is seeking broad input to better understand its strengths, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring that future decisions are informed by the people and communities UWG serves.
As a public university, UWG plays a vital role in expanding access to education, supporting student success, and contributing to the economic and cultural life of West Georgia and our state. UWG Next provides the framework for aligning that work with the evolving needs of students and the region.
Our Five Big Rocks
UWG Next will remain grounded in the university's five Big Rocks, which anchor UWG's mission and priorities:
Student Success
Supporting students' academic, personal, and professional growth from enrollment through graduation and beyond.
Research and Innovation
Advancing discovery, creativity, and applied scholarship that contributes to knowledge and impact.
Economic Development and Community Engagement
Strengthening partnerships and serving as a catalyst for regional growth and opportunity.
Athletics
Building pride, connection, and opportunity through UWG's Division I athletic programs.
The Arts
Enriching campus life and the broader community through cultural and artistic engagement.
These priorities provide a consistent foundation for the planning process as UWG considers its future direction.
Planning Process Overview
The UWG Next planning process will unfold over time and is structured around widely accepted best practices in higher education strategic planning. While details may evolve, the process is expected to include the following broad phases:
Phase I – Listening and Discovery
Gathering broad input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to understand current strengths, challenges, and aspirations for the university.
Phase II – Data Synthesis and Framework Development
Reviewing and organizing feedback to identify key themes, areas of focus, and guiding principles for the next strategic plan.
Phase III – Drafting and Refinement
Developing a draft strategic plan informed by input and further engagement, with opportunities for feedback and discussion.
Phase IV – Final Review and Adoption
Refining and finalizing the plan for review and adoption, leading to the release of UWG's next strategic plan.
Throughout each phase, UWG will share updates and opportunities for engagement.
Strategic Planning Steering Committee
The UWG Next process is guided by a Strategic Planning Steering Committee, which provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for the planning effort.
The Steering Committee is co-chaired by:
- Dr. Jon Preston, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; Professor of Computer Science, Dr. James 'Earl' Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences
- Allyson Bretch '14, Vice President for University Advancement and CEO of UWG's Philanthropic Foundations
Committee members represent a broad cross-section of the UWG community, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, athletics, academic leadership, and community stakeholders.
How to Stay Engaged
There will be multiple opportunities to participate in UWG Next as the process moves forward. Engagement opportunities – including listening sessions and feedback surveys – will roll out over the coming months.
This page will be updated regularly with information about upcoming opportunities, process milestones, and progress updates.
Looking Ahead
UWG Next is about shaping the future of the University of West Georgia together. By listening carefully, planning thoughtfully, and engaging broadly, the university aims to develop a strategic plan that reflects shared values, clear priorities, and a strong commitment to students and the communities UWG serves.