I. Introduction

           Texas State University created the 2017-2023 University Plan building on the many successes of the 2012-2017 University Plan. Over the course of the 2012-2017 University Plan, Texas State has added numerous academic programs at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. In addition, we have vastly improved our undergraduate retention and graduation rates, established and implemented an Honors College and the University PACE Center, and achieved Carnegie R-2 Doctoral University-High Research Activity status, among many other successes.

           As we developed this new plan, we were guided by the fundamental principle that our students must be the primary beneficiaries of the university goals we define, as well as the initiatives supporting those goals. Within this framework, we sought to balance a complex variety of goals that address, not only student success while at Texas State, but success after graduation. Goals also include promoting academic quality through new academic and educational programs; achieving significant progress in advancing our research and creative activities; and providing the necessary services, resources, and infrastructure needed to successfully move us forward.

           At the core of the University Plan is the Academic Plan, which identifies a number of initiatives we have and will continue to pursue and actions we have taken and will continue to take to accomplish these goals. The academic plan emphasizes Texas State’s intention to become a National Research University by enhancing and expanding our graduate education programs, as well as increasing student research, creative, and innovation opportunities. The university will have to continue to increase our restricted research expenditures to at least $45 million annually for two consecutive years, and meet at least four of the following six other measures of excellence:

1. Endowment equal to or greater than $400 million. 

2. Total Ph.D.s awarded equal to or greater than 200 in each of the previous two years. 

3. High achievement of freshmen classes for two years as determined by the THECB and a commitment to improving the participation and success of underrepresented students. 

4. Institutional recognition of research capabilities and scholarly attainment (e.g., Association of Research Libraries membership or a chapter of the honor society Phi Beta Kappa on campus). 

5.High-quality faculty for two years (e.g., national academy members or Nobel Prize recipients; other national or international distinction for a minimum of 7 faculty). 

6. High-quality graduate-level programs and competitive doctoral programs, including doctoral assistant stipend. 

           We recognize that while this plan will primarily serve as a guide for action, we will continue to scan the environment and make adjustments when necessary. The goal of this plan is to provide a template to help establish priorities for the future but not to restrict us from seizing opportunities or responding to external challenges and threats as they arise. It is intentionally perceived as a living plan that can and should be adjusted throughout the years.

           As with previous plans, we have conducted a formal mid-cycle review of the University Plan through revisiting division, college, and department plans to determine what possible new initiatives should be included in the University Plan. During the mid-cycle review, departments, schools, colleges, and divisions had the opportunity to reprioritize and add or delete goals and related initiatives to better address changing needs.