As new information about Augustana’s strategic plan becomes available, it will be added to this page.
Since its founding, Augustana College has educated and graduated people of purpose, with deep passions, the skills to accomplish ambitious goals, and extraordinary gifts for leadership. Our graduates possess a way of thinking about and looking at the world that equips them with a panoramic view, motivating them to have an impact wherever they are. This is what Augustana has done since 1860, and we aspire to continue to shape graduates who impact their communities because of their experiences at this college.
Now is the time for action to prepare the next generation of leaders. This is the impetus for our strategic plan, Augustana Bold & Boundless.
To reach our strategic goals, we must compel and support students of all backgrounds to choose Augustana, persist and thrive; we will prioritize engaged learning to maximize our students’ potential; and we will provide real-world learning experiences to prepare them to lead in their communities and in the world. For Augustana Bold & Boundless to succeed, student success will be our focus.
As Augustana College's CORE (Career, Opportunities, Research and Exploration) celebrates its 10th anniversary, its new director Lindsay Adolphs reflects on how the center has helped hundreds of students achieve their dreams and shape their futures.
Dr. Erin Kempker will start at the college Feb. 3 as the inaugural director of the Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship.
Kyla Painter '25 from Wildomar, Calif., spent two intensive weeks in Panama working with veterinarians and learning about the care and treatment of Central American wildlife.
Within the traditional structures for shared governance, members of the implementation council will work collaboratively with campus stakeholders to facilitate and provide oversight of the college’s strategy to ensure success.
Members of the Implementation Council include:
Within a month of her inauguration as Augustana College’s ninth president in October 2022, Andrea Talentino initiated the process that would lead to the school’s strategic plan, Augustana Bold & Boundless. The first stage involved a series of listening sessions held across the campus and facilitated by members of Augustana senior administrative leadership.
To re-think the curriculum whereby all students participate in multiple structured engaged learning opportunities, regardless of major or department, will produce career-ready graduates with real-life problem solving and project management skills that employers want and need.
Participants were given three overarching strategic priorities – neighborhood and place, purpose and distinction, and transformational engagement – which were discussed within the framework of Augustana’s mission and values. Participants were asked to name 3-4 areas of strategic focus, with thought given to possible operational actions and measurable outcomes related to each.
Listening sessions continued through January 2023, when a Strategic Planning Commission (SPC) was formed to work with consultants from Academic Leadership Associates (ALA) in identifying and defining the areas of strategic focus that would comprise the plan. The SPC included faculty, students, staff and two trustees, and met regularly throughout 2023. Consultants visited Rock Island to meet with members of the campus community and worked closely with the SPC’s three co-chairs, one each from faculty, administration and board.
Members of the Strategic Planning Commission include:
As 2023 drew to a close, the SPC worked with President Talentino to prepare its report to the board, and Augustana Bold & Boundless came into sharper focus. At the Board of Trustees 2024 planning retreat, held on campus in January, the plan received its official endorsement from the board.
