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Strategic Plan

Dr. Shepard statue in the administration circle on campus

Town Hall Virtual Meeting | Draft Strategic Plan Goals & Objectives | 5/27/25

If you missed the live session, you can watch it here and still take part in shaping the future of NCCU. In this town hall, Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon and the Executive Leadership Team present the draft goals and objectives of our new five-year Strategic Plan — a roadmap built through feedback from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community stakeholders.

This session reflects months of collaboration and engagement across our Eagle community. 

View Strategic Plan Document

Introduction

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is embarking on a transformative journey with the development of its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. Building upon a legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and service, NCCU is committed to charting a path toward becoming a premier institution that meets the evolving needs of its community and the broader society.

The new strategic plan is designed to guide NCCU's progress over the next five years, focusing on key areas that will enhance the university's impact and ensure its continued success.

Draft Goal #1

Academic Excellence: Enhance teaching, research, and community engagement

Position North Carolina Central University as a nationally recognized leader in academic innovation, excellence, and student success by expanding high-quality programs aligned with emerging industries, modernizing academic infrastructure and technology elevating faculty and student achievement, and advancing research and scholarship to achieve Carnegie Research 2 (R2) status.

Draft Objectives for #1

  1. Create new degree pathways aligned with emerging market and societal needs, including AI, cybersecurity, and public health.
  2. Invest in research centers, competitive grant funding, and doctoral programs while strengthening faculty development and research administration to achieve Carnegie Research 2 (R2) classification.
  3. Foster a culture of academic excellence by recruiting, supporting, and retaining exceptional faculty who advance the university’s mission through innovative teaching, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement.
  4. Expand community engagement models, including service learning and project-based coursework.
  5. Develop an infrastructure to achieve the objectives set forth in the UNC System Performance Metrics, including Four-Year Graduation Rate, Undergraduate Degree Efficiency, First-Year Debt, Transfer Debt, Average Earned Credits Per Year, Education Expenses Per Degree and Military Affiliated Enrollment.
  6. Establish an academic technology infrastructure that promotes faculty excellence and enhances student success.
  7. Strengthen and expand articulation and workforce development partnerships with community colleges.

Draft Goal #2

Student Experience: Promote student success, satisfaction, and well-being

Cultivate a transformational student experience that prioritizes holistic development, belonging, wellness, and workforce readiness, ensuring that all NCCU students graduate prepared to thrive in a global economy and civic society.

Draft Objectives for #2

  1. Prioritize the enhancement of housing, athletics, recreational, instructional and research facilities.
  2. Expand academic advising, financial aid support, mental health, and wellness services.
  3. Develop robust career preparation pathways that align academic and student programming with evolving workforce needs.
  4. Increase student participation in global experiences, preparing students to lead in an interconnected world.
  5. Enhance student development by cultivating essential life skills and promoting a culture of social responsibility to prepare graduates for personal and professional success beyond the university.
  6. Design flexible learning spaces, including adaptive classrooms and hybrid learning environments, to support online education and evolving student needs.
  7. Enhance accessibility and programmatic opportunities for students with unique needs.
  8. Strengthen the academic success, personal development and well-being of student-athletes.

Draft Goal #3

Institutional Sustainability: Ensure financial strength and resource optimization

Advance strategic, sustainable institutional growth and financial strength by expanding enrollment, modernizing infrastructure, optimizing resources, and enhancing philanthropic partnerships and community engagement.

Draft Objectives for #3

  1. Strengthen financial stewardship, accountability and transparency.
  2. Grow targeted enrollment areas (adult learners, military-affiliated and graduate students) by expanding online access and support, aligning recruitment and academic programs with market demand.
  3. Increase student retention, persistence and graduation through data-informed academic support and targeted engagement strategies.
  4. Unify university advancement under a single model integrating philanthropy, research and corporate partnerships for optimal impact and return.
  5. Strengthen alumni connections and engagement fostering lifelong loyalty to NCCU.
  6. Establish shared fundraising goals and messaging with Athletics that leverages athletic achievements for philanthropic opportunities.
  7. Expand merit and need based scholarships to enhance student recruitment, retention and graduation.

Draft Goal #4

Operational Excellence: Improve efficiency and effectiveness in operations

Achieve operational excellence by optimizing people, processes, technology and facilities to create a high-performing, accountable, and service-oriented institution.

Draft Objectives for #4

  1. Enhance performance and support internal growth opportunities for faculty and staff through investments in professional development.
  2. Develop a performance-based accountability framework across divisions.
  3. Create a succession planning process to maintain optimal production across campus.
  4. Use data-driven decision-making to assess technology, facility and operations, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
  5. Strengthen risk management practices.
  6. Invest in competitive compensation structures to retain and attract talent.
  7. Attract, develop, and retain a high-performing faculty and staff by fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous growth, in alignment with the university’s mission and strategic goals.
  8. Enhance campus safety through proactive prevention, emergency response, and collaborative community engagement to ensure a safe campus environment.

Draft Goal #5

Transformational Engagement: Expand NCCU’s role as a catalyst of innovation and development

Strengthen NCCU’s impact as a driver of economic development by aligning academic, research, and community engagement efforts with Durham, the Research Triangle, North Carolina, the nation, and the world.

Draft Objectives for #5

  1. Enhance branding and marketing showcasing NCCU’s legacy and impact.
  2. Deepen strategic partnerships with Research Triangle corporations and organizations to develop industry-driven innovation.
  3. Strengthen relationships with local community and grassroots organizations to address common interests, including small business support and expansion of entrepreneurship efforts.
  4. Enhance external engagement by fostering sustained partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations to co-create solutions, expand applied research, and accelerate economic and social development.
  5. Strengthen the athletic program to achieve sustained Division I competitiveness and national recognition in performance, excellence, and engagement.