Strategic Plan 2030 Aims to Sustain CSP’s Growth

Strategic Plan 2030, the next phase of Concordia University, St. Paul’s long-term strategic plan to effectively serve students, launches July 1, 2024. The Plan builds upon the university’s rich legacy and growth over the past decade to point CSP forward amidst challenges within the higher education sector.

“I am excited for the launch of Strategic Plan 2030 and grateful to all who worked diligently to prepare it,” says Concordia St. Paul President Brian Friedrich. “I am also thrilled about the commitment of our faculty, staff, and board to work together to ensure the plan is brought to fruition to serve our students even better.”

Centered around Concordia St. Paul’s Christ-centered Lutheran identity and embracing the university’s diverse student population, Strategic Plan 2030 lays out a bold yet achievable vision for the university’s success over the next six academic years. This faith-filled identity is an unchanging anchor that informs and inspires CSP’s timeless mission, aspirational vision, and inspirational promise.

Flowing from these essential statements are three goals. Each goal was crafted for empowerment and accountability of the university and its leaders to bring the plan to fruition while being shaped by subgoals and tactics.

The first goal of Strategic Plan 2030 is to serve 10,000 unique students each year. This goal is not growth for its own sake, but expanding the reach and impact that Concordia St. Paul makes in its students’ lives and the communities they serve. During the 2023-24 academic year, the university served 7,500 students. Tactics to reach this goal include launching new in-demand academic programs, expanding non-credit generating academic offerings, and growing the global student population.

The second goal of Strategic Plan 2030 is to deliver a career-connected curriculum. This goal includes continuing to ensure a deep, meaningful connection between academics and vocational pathways. The university seeks to integrate even more hands-on experiences, case studies, real-world projects, and internships that connect students with their chosen industries to accomplish this goal. The student advising process will be strengthened to utilize the expertise and wisdom of our academic and faculty advisors. CSP will also develop deeper partnerships with businesses, organizations, and professionals to gain insights into current trends and skills required.

The third goal of Strategic Plan 2030 is to increase persistence to graduation. Persistence, in this instance, means helping students who enroll at CSP—regardless of where they are in their educational journey—achieve their academic goals and receive their degree of choice. The biggest factor that impacts students’ ability to persist is finances, followed by academic fit. To ensure students stay at CSP through the completion of their degrees, the university will continue to expand access and affordability for students. Another key tactic in this area is to ensure that CSP Ministry is positioned to serve the whole person through worship opportunities, spiritual care, and Bible studies.

Concordia St. Paul is committed to financial stewardship and sustainability to accomplish Strategic Plan 2030. The plan will use the Composite Financial Index (CFI) to measure the fiscal strength and viability of the university. Coupled with a growth in philanthropic gifts from alumni and friends through the Elevate the Promise campaign, CSP is well positioned to remain a vibrant university that fosters success for all students.

“Strategic Plan 2030 builds on Concordia St. Paul’s strengths and growth while maintaining a laser focus on preparing a diverse student body to live out their vocations in a dynamic world,” says Friedrich. “As we announce this next phase of our strategic plan, we do so with thanksgiving to God and in gratitude toward all who invest deeply in our mission.”