Carson-Newman news office
Carson-Newman University Administration Building
JEFFERSON CITY — Carson-Newman University’s board of trustees approved a five-year strategic plan on April 23 that calls for new academic programs, expanded athletic offerings, new and renovated facilities, enrollment growth and greater missional alignment.
The university’s executive leadership team led the development of the plan, entitled “Acorns to Oaks: Pursuing God’s Preferred Future,” following the board of trustees’ approval of the planning process in April 2020.
“The entire University engaged in the planning process. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, administration, trustees, and other constituent groups helped dream this dream. It has resulted in a strategic plan that is bold in scope, faithful to our mission, academically driven, and Christ-centered in its approach,” said C-N president Charles A. Fowler.
“When successfully implemented, this plan will produce missional alignment, financial stability, 21st-century programmatic strength and enrollment growth, which positions Carson-Newman to be one of the premier Christian universities in the Southeast.”
“The form and function of the strategic plan takes the great ideas, the compelling thoughts and processes from every aspect of the university,” said Bob Gay, chairman of the board of trustees.
Charles Fowler
“Everyone is on board and sees the same single vision. When that occurs, you can see that God is directing the vision.
Gay added that the trustees “believe this is God’s vision for Carson-Newman. That is strong. That is powerful. That is unifying. When you put everyone’s strengths in the right place at the right time, pulling in the same direction, nothing but great things can happen for God’s university,” Gay continued.
“This plan is truly a statement and the embodiment of the mission of Carson-Newman University.”
The plan includes new construction of health sciences, chemistry, biology and physics, and education buildings. The plan also incorporates the addition of a sciences plaza along with a new pedestrian mall for added outdoor space for student enjoyment.
Renovations to athletic and academic facilities along with enhancing handicap accessibility across the campus are also important components of the plan.
Beyond the proposed construction, the plan calls for expanded athletic offerings, new undergraduate and graduate academic programs, and increased investments into programming.
The strategic plan entails thoughtful and purposeful alignment of policies and procedures with the university’s Christ-centered mission and an ongoing commitment to balanced budgets. The plan culminates in 2026, which will mark the 175th anniversary of Carson-Newman’s founding. B&R
