William & Mary launches Vision 2026 strategic plan centered on data, water, democracy and careers

President Katherine A. Rowe formally launched Vision 2026 at the William & Mary Board of Visitors meeting held Feb. 9–12, 2022, presenting three university-wide goals and four crosscutting initiatives she said will guide the institution through 2026.

Rowe told the Board that Vision 2026 focuses on three overarching aims: “Expand William & Mary’s Reach,” “Educate for Impact,” and “Evolve to Excel.” She described the strategic plan as pared to areas where the university has a comparative advantage and said the university will provide a Vision 2026 toolkit with departmental plans and metrics.

The plan centers on four initiatives: Data, Water, Democracy and Careers. Rowe and Provost Peggy Agouris discussed the Data initiative in a Q&A, arguing for greater computational thinking and data fluency across the liberal arts and sciences to prepare graduates for a data-driven workplace. “Great universities are known for specific things,” Rowe said, and she argued William & Mary can distinguish itself through targeted investments in data literacy.

For the Water initiative, Rowe invited Virginia Institute of Marine Science Dean Derek Aday to the discussion. Aday outlined three paths for the university’s work on water: conserve remaining systems, adapt systems to present changes, and build resilience for future conditions. The pair also discussed expanding undergraduate opportunities in marine science.

The Democracy initiative, presented with Vice Provost Stephen E. Hanson, emphasized the university’s civic role, partnerships such as Colonial Williamsburg, and the value of libraries and the D.C. campus in promoting informed public discourse. The Careers initiative, discussed with Chief Career Officer Kathleen Powell, focused on work-based learning and employer expectations, and on using William & Mary’s alumni network to create clearer career pathways.

Dr. Matthew T. Lambert, Vice President for University Advancement, framed the plan within fundraising and engagement goals, noting efforts to modernize alumni outreach and prepare for the next comprehensive campaign. He highlighted upcoming alumni events and said the campus would celebrate the close of the For the Bold campaign over the weekend of Feb. 11–12.

The Board received the Vision 2026 toolkit and heard that departments are preparing implementation plans and metrics; Rowe said the administration will conduct community conversations on campus in the semester following the launch. The Board did not vote on any specific approvals tied to the plan during this meeting, but the strategic priorities will inform future proposals and budget discussions.