UNCP Launches Vision 2031 Strategic Plan

February 24, 2026 University Communications & Marketing
large, golden UNCP letters on the campus of UNCP at sunset with a purple/pink sky

UNC Pembroke announced today the launch of Vision 2031 , a comprehensive five-year strategic plan outlining a bold roadmap for student success, academic excellence, affordability and economic impact.

The UNCP Board of Trustees unanimously approved the plan at their Feb. 20 meeting. Organized around four core pillars, it clarifies priorities, focuses investment and strengthens UNCP鈥檚 impact across the state, the region and emerging national markets.

At its core, Vision 2031 is designed to address today's needs while anticipating tomorrow's demands. It builds on UNCP鈥檚 longstanding commitment to increasing access, elevating excellence and delivering personalized learning.

鈥淥ur previous strategic plan positioned UNC Pembroke for extraordinary momentum and progress,鈥 said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, MD. 鈥淭hat success is a direct result of the talent and commitment of our faculty and staff, who deliver an exceptional educational experience every day. Vision 2031 builds on that foundation, expands opportunity for our students and accelerates UNC Pembroke鈥檚 forward trajectory.鈥

Vision 2031 is organized around four pillars:

  • Comprehensive Student Success
  • Academic Excellence & Innovation
  • Value, Accessibility & Efficiency
  • Economic Impact & Community Engagement

Together, these pillars center on helping students persist, graduate and launch meaningful careers while strengthening the region UNCP calls home.

Chief of Staff and Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Jess Boersma, PhD, led the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, which included a cross-section of faculty, staff and students. The initiative brought together voices from across the university community 鈥 including faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners 鈥 through listening sessions, campus forums, surveys and collaborative planning workshops. Each stage was shaped by community input and informed by institutional data, ensuring the final plan reflects both UNCP鈥檚 mission and its continued momentum.

Throughout the process, the chancellor and Board of Trustees provided guidance and input, affirming a shared commitment to the university鈥檚 future direction.

鈥淭his plan is both ambitious and actionable,鈥 Boersma said. 鈥淚t reflects the voices of our campus community, strengthens alignment across the institution and reinforces accountability for the results that matter most.鈥

Board of Trustees Chair Ed Brooks said the plan charts a clear course for UNCP's long-term strength and sustained impact.

鈥淰ision 2031 reinforces UNCP鈥檚 commitment to access, excellence and responsible stewardship,鈥 Brooks said. 鈥淚t ensures the university remains a powerful driver of opportunity and economic vitality for southeastern North Carolina and 果冻视频.鈥

Progress will be tracked through clearly defined metrics that combine required UNC System performance measures with academic program review standards and institution-specific benchmarks. These measures include retention and graduation rates, enrollment growth, research productivity, endowment growth, debt at graduation, classroom utilization and national rankings.

Working groups will convene this spring to advance implementation, coordinate alignment across academic and administrative units and ensure the plan remains a living, actionable framework. Progress will be reviewed regularly and shared with the campus community and university stakeholders.

鈥淥ur founders built this university with courage, vision and a deep belief in the transformative power of education,鈥 Cummings said. 鈥淰ision 2031 carries that spirit forward 鈥 harnessing our legacy while preparing students for what鈥檚 next and ensuring every future is possible.鈥

Categorized As