University Strategic Planning and Innovation
Strategic thinking and planning at Wilberforce University is an on-going institutional process that manages our mission, goals, and aspirations.
Wilberforce 2030: A Focused Vision for Academic Innovation and Student Success
The Wilberforce University Strategic Plan entitled, Wilberforce 2030: A Focused Vision for Academic Innovation and Student Success is informed by the mission, strategic goals, and key performance indicators. Our strategic goals establish the context for an outstanding student-centered collegiate experience which assures the success of our value proposition and institutional high performance.
Wilberforce University is the nation’s oldest private, historically Black university owned and operated by African Americans. Founded in 1856 during a time when the education of African Americans was both socially prohibited and illegal, the institution emerged as a bold vision to defy prevailing social and cultural constraints. Named for the eighteenth-century abolitionist William Wilberforce—who famously stated, “We are too young to realize that certain things are impossible… So, we will do them anyway.”—the University’s founding embodied a spirit of resilience and possibility.
The early history of Wilberforce University is marked by both triumph and challenge. Despite a temporary closure during the outbreak of the Civil War, the institution was re-incorporated in March 1863 by Bishop Daniel A. Payne, who, with only six students and a $10,000 debt, set a precedent as the first person of African descent to lead an American institution of higher learning. Even after a devastating fire in April 1865, the University recovered and continued its mission to educate and empower young African Americans, laying the foundation for its enduring legacy.
Highlights Of Our Accomplishments During The 2020–2025 Strategic Cycle
- Financial Stewardship: Refinanced a high-interest loan, reducing the rate from 13% to 7%, and saving the institution $90,000 per month. Increased revenue, transforming a deficit into a surplus between 2023 and 2025
- Enrollment Growth: Increased enrollment by 45% from 478 students in Fall 2022 to 692 students by Fall 2024, with projections to reach 900 by Fall 2026.
- Research and Funding: Boosted grants and contracts from $464,111 to $2,561,609, enabling groundbreaking projects by faculty and students.
- Academic Programming: Launched diverse new academic programs, positioning the University as a “Black MIT” through innovative research and transformative learning experiences.
- Campus Development: Continued construction on the first of several new student residential facilities. Wilberforce’s first such additions since 1972-each with an estimated cost of $1 million and projected to generate significant annual student housing revenue.
- Governmental and Community Partnerships: Strengthened ties through engagement with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, local municipalities, and community stakeholders.
- Student Engagement: Enhanced campus amenities, including introducing the first on-campus restaurant, Starbucks, launching the University’s first “spirit” store, and pioneering the second women’s gymnastics program at an HBCU.
- Accreditation: Successfully navigated probationary action with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in 2023–2024, reaffirming the commitment to academic excellence and institutional compliance.
As we begin this new strategic plan, Wilberforce University is poised to continue its legacy as a leader in higher education—dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and service to its students and community.
Wilberforce University Mission
To engage, support, and assist students in identifying and preparing for their respective purposes in life as social change agents, social justice activists, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and global citizens by imparting knowledge through rigorous intellectual inquiry and critical thinking.
Wilberforce University Vision
Wilberforce 2030: A Focused Vision for Academic Innovation and Student Success
Wilberforce University will be an innovative education institution with a special emphasis on emerging and popular technologies. The institution seeks to maintain its role as an inclusive, community-first choice while becoming a national leader in student success.
OUR CORE VALUES
STUDENT FOCUSED
Our Students are The Center of Our Existence; Their Respect, Spiritual Values, And Educational Success are Our Highest Priorities.
FAITH-CENTERED
With a legacy rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal church, we embrace Christian principles and the belief in the living god.
CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES
We uphold ethics, integrity, and honesty as exemplified in the Christ of scripture, fostering meaningful relationships.
quality education
We provide a dynamic living-learning environment with excellent teaching and a rigorous, innovative curriculum that prepares students for gainful employment, graduate or professional studies, and ultimately, for making a meaningful impact on the world.
Social & Community Responsibility
We are devoted to serving our community through personal and institutional outreach.
history, tradition & legacy
We honor our rich history and commit to distinguishing ourselves well into the 21st century and beyond.
Workforce Development
We are committed to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive in a competitive job market, drive economic growth, and contribute to a resilient and evolving workforce.
Pillars of Focus For The Next Five Years Foundation For The 2030 Strategic Plan:
To advance the impact of the former plan into today’s context and to meet future goals, the planning process identified several essential enhancements to the original Value Drivers.
- Enrollment growth, retention, and student success
- Sustainability, partnerships, and development
- Academic excellence, innovation, scholarship, and workforce development
- Technological advancement integration
- Campus infrastructure maintenance and enhancement