Connecting to

Our Future

Connecting to Our Future

DeSales University's 2022-25 strategic plan provides a focused vision for our future.

The plan is the result of an inclusive and collaborative planning process involving over 115 members of our University community. Through this process, important priorities emerged: Academic Excellence & Innovation, Student Experience, Visibility & Growth, and Stewardship. These areas will serve as pillars to frame our decisions, resources, and innovation, in the future.

Mission as the Foundation

DeSales is a Catholic, Salesian university that inspires transformative learning through the liberal arts and professional studies by energizing students to be who they are and be that well.

As the only Salesian University in the country and the only Catholic University in the Lehigh Valley, DeSales is uniquely poised for future growth. Our distinct identity and rich Salesian tradition serve as the foundation for this strategic plan which will strengthen and advance our Salesian values in all aspects of University life.

Four Strategic Pillars

Visibility & Growth

As the nation’s only Salesian, Catholic university, DeSales will leverage the new brand platform to advance our distinctive value and positively position DeSales as the top-choice destination to work and learn. Expanded visibility will be achieved by showcasing the University’s inherent strengths – a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, character development, and meaningful connection.

Goal 1: Increase regional recognition of DeSales University.

Goal 2: Enhance the campus welcome experience.

Goal 3: Promote Salesian unidiversity through the lens of Catholic social teaching.

Goal 4: Sustain healthy enrollment across the institution.

Academic Excellence & Innovation

Propelled by the solid and successful outcomes of its educational programs, DeSales commits to growing its reputation for academic excellence through innovative methods and organizational structures. Particular attention will be given to initiatives which support a synergy among all members of this learning community.

Goal 1: Conduct a comprehensive program review to cultivate a robust academic portfolio.

Goal 2: Transition DeSales University to a school system.

Goal 3: Establish a Center for Teaching and Learning to support faculty excellence.

Goal 4: Develop and implement a comprehensive external partnership strategy.

Stewardship

DeSales remains on firm financial footing and seeks to capitalize on that strength to advance its mission by identifying and embracing new opportunities while continuing to navigate market uncertainty and challenges.

Goal 1: Attract and retain the best talent.

Goal 2: Launch comprehensive fundraising campaign and broaden community engagement.

Goal 3: Develop new revenue sources and evaluate existing resource deployment.

Goal 4: Leverage land assets to drive new revenue and encourage sustainability.

Student Experience

DeSales provides intentional, experiential opportunities designed to inspire and nurture the full development of students. Undergraduate and graduate students will find their purpose, realize their potential, and flourish at DeSales University and in a global community.

Goal 1: Improve physical assets to enhance the student experience at DeSales.

Goal 2: Strive to offer every DSU student experiential learning opportunities.

Goal 3: Strengthen the mission formation and orientation to DeSales.

Goal 4: Establish the region’s premiere Veterans and Military program.