University Strategy:
Taking Next Steps
Embedded Files
Planning for Today, Preparing for Tomorrow
Planning for Today, Preparing for Tomorrow
Our Bold Plan for a Stronger Future
Our Bold Plan for a Stronger Future
The challenges in higher education are many, and we have a solid plan for addressing them head-on. We will continue to evolve our academic offerings to meet the needs and desires of current and prospective students. We must also continue to adjust how we manage our resources to ensure stability, a high-quality experience for our students, and a great place to work for all of you.
What This Plan Means
Our approach balances three things:
Protecting our mission: We are here to serve our students -- to help them learn and grow at this pivotal time in their lives. They are at the center of everything we do.
Strategic optimization: We must consider student demand for the programs we offer and their delivery method. Our programs must continually evolve to ensure we adapt as the market changes.
Real reinvestment: As we achieve our financial goals, employee compensation and benefits are a priority.
What Happens Next
Optional one-on-one sessions with VPs are available if you have any questions
Change management training will support everyone through this transition
Your feedback and concerns matter—please engage honestly in these conversations
We will be offering optional workshops on academic expense management that will allow you to see how different variables in our expense structure impact the university. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
About the Voluntary Separation Program
As part of our strategy to achieve our financial goals, while protecting academic quality, we are offering a Voluntary Separation Program for tenured or tenure-track faculty. Here's why:
It provides a supportive option for faculty who may be considering a transition or change
It allows us to manage our faculty structure strategically and efficiently during this planning period
It minimizes disruption to our academic mission and course offerings
For those who remain, it creates stability and career pathway clarity
This is thoughtfully designed as an option, not a mandate, that helps us move forward with confidence and purpose. Participation is voluntary.
You are the heart of Lynchburg. We're committed to supporting you through this transition and building a sustainable future together.
Virtual Red Chair Chat Slides and Review
Moving Forward
The landscape of higher education is changing, and smaller institutions like the University of Lynchburg face significant financial and market challenges. We know the core issue: rising costs coupled with shrinking revenue and a declining pool of prospective students.
That's why we're moving forward with a bold strategy to secure our future. Our ambitious goal is to achieve $6.5 million in savings and revenue growth by 2028.
We are committed to preserving the heart of a Lynchburg education—our strong liberal arts foundation and the excellence of faculty-led instruction. At the same time, we're strategically evolving to:
Boost Affordability and Flexibility: We're making classes more accessible by shifting some offerings online and leveraging course sharing and consortial agreements.
Invest in High-Demand Careers: We're focusing on growth areas like technology and healthcare to equip students with skills the market demands.
Expand Our Reach: We are utilizing innovative partnerships to quickly and effectively grow our program offerings while ensuring quality and student success.
This plan is about balancing our proud traditions with the strategic evolution needed to thrive.
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