A Message from President Johnson: Launching our Strategic Planning Process

July 15, 2021

As an institution of higher education, we teach our students to pursue intellectual curiosity, practice critical thinking and translate ideas into action. We have a responsibility to practice the same skills in evaluating our own work, identifying opportunities for innovation and asking ourselves how we can live up to our commitment to build a better world.

In launching our strategic planning process, we are ushering in an exciting period of transformation and refinement for Albion College.

The world is evolving rapidly, and our students are ready to take on the complex social, economic, environmental and civic challenges of today. In order to prepare our students to lead this charge, we need to be constantly evolving, too.

The landscape of higher education is also changing. Even before the pandemic, colleges and universities were facing existential threats, with declining enrollment pushing institutions across the country to make painful cuts, merge or close entirely. The last year of teaching and learning during a pandemic has brought into sharper focus the need for sustainability and relevance to meet the shifting demands of today’s market and economy. In order to survive–and thrive–we must adapt, and embrace change as the new constant.

Luckily, innovation is in Albion’s DNA. Our campus and community are shifting in exciting ways. We are launching new academic programs, reimagining spaces on campus and collaborating with our local community to further our shared vision for a seamless campus community.

This is the perfect landscape for our students, faculty, staff and community members to come together and articulate a bold vision for our College.

With this community of lifelong learners leading the way, it is clear to me that Albion has a bright future ahead. Together, we will make Albion a shining light for the future of liberal arts education.

Dr. Mathew Johnson,
President, Albion College