A Students First University

The 10-year strategic plan, Rowing, Not Drifting 2030, was developed following an extensive, collaborative process with university stakeholders.

Rowing, Not Drifting 2030 brings to life our vision for the university and takes shape in the form of our vision statement, five vision elements, and 2030 outcomes that serve as the foundation in support of and in service to UNC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community. It guides the work of our five phases over the next decade, as well as the implementation of our supporting key actions and tactics.

Fellow Bears, partners, and friends:

In developing the University of Northern Colorado’s Rowing, Not Drifting 2030 strategic plan, the faculty, staff, and students collectively envisioned UNC as the institution that Colorado looks to as the future of higher education. This bold vision simultaneously draws on our fundamental mission to empower people and communities to realize their fullest potential and positions the university over the next decade to better serve our community, region, and state.

When we launched our plan at the beginning of 2020, we could not have anticipated the many changes the subsequent two years would bring. While some of our immediate priorities necessarily shifted and specific actions and tactics associated with the first phase of the strategic plan evolved, our university community continued “rowing” together in the same direction, united by resilience, determination, and our shared vision.

At UNC, we are guided daily in our teaching, learning, and collective work by the five vision elements that are vital to realizing our vision: Students First, Empower Inclusivity, Enhance & Invest, Innovate & Create, and Connect & Celebrate. Our community comprises talented, creative, and dedicated individuals who share a deep commitment to these priorities and continuously demonstrate that anything can be accomplished when we work together.

I am proud of the many successes we achieved over the past two years. The extraordinary contributions of our students, faculty, and staff have created a strong foundation to dive into the next phase of our strategic plan. In this document, you will learn about our accomplishments from Phase I and how that work evolves and continues into Phase II.

As we transition into this important second phase, I see a new level of excitement, optimism, and opportunity with the next set of key actions and tactics. These were developed with careful consideration of feedback from the university community, strategic priorities that university leaders identified, and opportunities to build on the good work from Phase I. The university community came together to engage in thoughtful discussions and offer valuable insight into Phase II of our strategic plan.

I appreciate everyone who shared their ideas about how we can continue our forward momentum. I invite each member of our university community to reflect on the key actions and tactics in this next phase, consider where there is alignment with your own work, and identify ways you will help realize our vision for UNC. As we diligently work together toward the 2030 outcomes, we will remain focused on our shared vision and common purpose as a Students First university. We will do this in how we serve students and foster their excellence as well as the excellence of our faculty and staff, the actions we take that reflect our deep commitment to equity and inclusion, our ability to innovate and inspire, and the strong partnerships we forge in our community and beyond.

I am pleased to present Phase II of Rowing, Not Drifting 2030, signaling the university’s priorities for the next two years. I look forward to continuing this journey with you toward realizing our vision and celebrating our successes along the way.

Rowing, Not Drifting,

Andy Feinstein
UNC President

A University Unlike Any Other

Founded in 1889 and tucked between the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s stunning high plains, UNC is a public doctoral research university comm