As we look to the future, we are crafting a vision for UNH that is grounded in hope and purpose. We are laying the groundwork for a strategic plan that addresses the question: What do we envision UNH to be in 2030? Through close collaboration between UNH President Elizabeth Chilton and the strategic planning committee, a roadmap is beginning to emerge. We invite you to actively participate in this process, with more opportunities for engagement throughout the semester, including listening sessions in March and April.
Four Strategic Priorities
First Choice Destination
Interdisciplinary & Research Excellence
Commitment to Well-Being & Belonging
Strengthening UNH's Impact
First Choice Destination
UNH is a first-choice destination for students seeking public higher education in New England.
While UNH is already a first-choice institution for many, we aim to broaden this distinction by enhancing academic excellence, student experience and lifelong success. We will attract a diverse and highly motivated student body by leveraging academic excellence, research and innovation impact, and strategic enrollment while ensuring that all students thrive academically, socially and professionally. Through bold investments in faculty excellence, research, career pathways, student supports and campus culture, UNH will reinforce its status as the premier public university in New England, known for exceptional student outcomes and a transformative educational experience.
Draft Objectives
UNH will use clear, data-driven strategies to define and differentiate our brand identity. We will increase our competitive market position by optimizing access and affordability, communicating the unique value of a UNH education, and highlighting our impact on the state and region.
We will inspire students to explore, engage and enroll at UNH by expanding our market share, attracting high-intent students, revitalizing our admissions processes and leveraging strategic enrollment planning to make UNH a top-choice destination.
Interdisciplinary & Research Excellence
UNH has distinctive interdisciplinary education and research strengths.
UNH is a comprehensive land, sea and space grant university with strengths across the arts, sciences, humanities and professional schools. UNH leverages its nationally and internationally recognized disciplinary strengths and interdisciplinary activity to create a better understanding of real-world issues to build beneficial synergies, collaboration and co-creation of solutions to complex problems. Interdisciplinary activity integrates knowledge, methods and perspectives from multiple disciplines to address questions, solve problems and foster new understanding beyond single-discipline approaches. Through this, empowered community members will be equipped to use contemporary tools to address issues that impact Granite Staters and the world.
Draft Objectives
Community and industry are involved in co-creating innovative solutions to everyday challenges, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, training the workforce of tomorrow and translating research into practical applications and policies.
Commitment to Well-Being & Belonging
UNH commits to fostering a community of well-being and belonging.
This focus area centers on strengthening and promoting a welcoming and inclusive UNH community in which to learn, live, work and play. UNH aims to build a resilient, supportive and flourishing community through positive change at individual, department, unit and institutional levels. The committee, in collaboration with the campuses and communities in which we are embedded, will promote health, well-being, safety, belonging, connection and accessibility by considering innovative programs, policies and practices. The committee will guide initiatives that address the evolving needs of learners and employees to thrive professionally and personally.
Draft Objectives
Embed health and well-being into all aspects of our campus culture, policies and practices while creating supportive environments that enhance our success as an institution for each UNH community member to thrive personally and professionally.
Strengthening UNH's Impact
The University of New Hampshire enhances the state’s prosperity by developing talent, driving innovation and strengthening communities.
We focus on helping New Hampshire’s people, communities and economy succeed. We do this by teaching skills that prepare people for tomorrow, leading research that addresses real-world challenges and building strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, institutions, and communities. Together, we improve people’s lives, steward the state’s natural resources and people’s connection with nature, and create a stronger, healthier future for the people of New Hampshire.
Draft Objectives
Expand corporate partnerships, support small business success and help cultivate current and future entrepreneurs in New Hampshire.
Committee Membership
Co-Chair: Cyndee Gruden, Interim Provost, VP Academic Affairs, Provost Office
Co-Chair: Danielle O'Neil, Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing
Co-Chair: Kim DeRego, Vice Provost, Enrollment Management
Co-Chair: Vidya Sundar, Associate Professor, CHHS
Lu Echazu: Associate Dean, Paul College
Jesse Stabile Morrell: Asst Dean, Lec., COLSA
Ashby Kinch: Vice Provost & Dean, Graduate School
Christa Ricker: Director of New Student and Family Programs, Student Life
Tessa Marinello: Student, 1st year representative, COLA
Sarah Dorner: Asst. Dean for Grad Admissions & International Outreach, Law
Michaela Sabin: Professor, CPS at UNH Manchester
Co-Chair: Paul Robertson, Sr. Lecturer, Director of Hamel UG Research Center, COLA
Co-Chair: Anthony Davis, Dean, COLSA
Mark Milutinovich: Exec. Director, Large Center Development, REEO
Ruth Varner: Interim Director, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space (EOS) and Prof, CEPS
Stephen Bird: Director, Carsey School of Public Policy
Sonic Woytonik: Sr. Lecturer
Rawan AlSarraf: Ph.D. student in Agriculture, Nutritional and Food Systems, COLSA
Co-Chair, Kathleen Grace-Bishop, Director, Ed. and Promotion, Health and Wellness
Co-Chair: Jeffrey M Halpern, Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering and Chair, Faculty Senate
Kendra Lewis: Associate State Specialist/Extension Professor
Guangzhou Chen: Assistant Professor, Department of Recreation Management and Policy; Extension Affiliate Faculty, Community and Economic Development
Annie Nevells: Dir. Grad Enrollment/Advising, Paul College
Nadine Petty: Chief Diversity Officer and Assoc. Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Maggie McGrath: Student Senate Health and Wellness Council, Chair
Lisa Enright: Asst. Dean, Student Success, CPS at UNH Manchester
Fumi Kimura: Deputy Director of Athletics
Co-Chair: Charlie French, Assoc. Ext. Professor, Ext Team Lead, Extension
Co-Chair: Tom Cronin, Chief of Staff, President's Office
Justine Stadler: Director of Corporate Engagement, REEO
Mike Decelle: Dean, CPS at UNH Manchester
Mary Stampone: Assoc. Prof, COLA
Michele Holt Shannon: Director, NH Listens, Carsey School
Raina Sprauge: Executive Director, Employer Relations, CaPS
Jayson Seaman: Dept. Chair, Rec Mgmt. and Policy
Seth Oranburg: Professor, Law
Subcommittee Community Forum Schedule
First-Choice Destination
Tuesday, March 4, 12 - 1 p.m. in MUB Strafford Room and via Zoom: https://unh.zoom.us/j/94852536298
Interdisciplinary
Tuesday, March 4, 1 - 2 p.m. in MUB Theatre 2 and via Zoom: https://unh.zoom.us/j/92139068392
Community Well-Being
Friday, March 7, 10-11 a.m. in MUB Theatre 2 and via Zoom: https://unh.zoom.us/j/98361562270
State Impact
Tuesday, March 11, 1 - 2 p.m. in MUB Theatre 2 and via Zoom: https://unh.zoom.us/j/97732230612
