It is with great pride and profound optimism that I introduce Marywood University’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, Into the Future—a bold roadmap for our next chapter, shaped by the wisdom of our past, the promise of our present, and the transformative vision we share for the future.
Since our founding in 1915 by the IHM Sisters, Marywood has embraced a mission of faith, education, and service. We educate our students through this vibrant mission, which calls us to welcome, support, and empower every individual who walks through our doors.
That same spirit of purpose guides us now. Marywood is, and has always been, a community where people of all races, backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and experiences are not only welcomed, but cherished. This commitment to inclusivity is who we are. Our intrinsic values, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, inform the way we teach, lead, serve, and grow.
Lisa Lori, J.D.
President, Marywood University
This is not the first pivotal moment in our history—but it is our moment, and it is filled with possibility.
From our humble beginnings in 1915, Marywood has never stood still. The IHM Sisters took a bold step into the unknown—and we’ve continued their legacy ever since, always striving toward a new horizon. That spirit of fearless progress is alive in us today—and it will continue to guide us forward.
of Marywood University’s Strategic Mandate (2025–2030):
To thrive, Marywood must reach and retain a broad student population. This pillar focuses on reimagining how we attract students at all academic levels and how we walk beside them throughout their Marywood journey. It is not enough to bring students to our campus; we must also ensure that they are seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Recruitment and retention are two sides of the same coin, and both are essential to our sustainability and success.
Enrollment growth of students on campus, domestic and international, graduates, and veterans
The retention of all students from matriculation to post graduation
In a world where knowledge evolves rapidly and the needs of learners change by the day, innovation is imperative. Marywood’s academic future will be marked by agility, creativity, and courage. We will develop new programs, invest in emerging disciplines, and harness technology to expand our reach and deepen our impact. This pillar ensures that our academic offerings remain relevant, rigorous, and aligned with the needs of the global workforce and society.
Rigorous portfolio reviews and market analyses that will dictate the innovation we seek
Making academic innovation happen
Our students are not just learners. They are leaders in the making. The student experience at Marywood must reflect our deep commitment to educating the whole person: intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. From wellness to career services, from residence life to campus engagement, we will cultivate a student-centered environment where every student is empowered to thrive and inspired to lead with purpose.
Co-curricular and extra-curricular services to complement the academic journey of Marywood students
Complementary healthcare services to enhance the student experience
No strategic plan can succeed without a strong foundation. This pillar represents our pledge to be wise stewards of our resources—fiscal, human, and physical. Through continuous assessment, data-informed decision-making, and mission-aligned investment, we will create the conditions for long-term stability and excellence. Stewardship is not just about sustainability; it is about trust, transparency, and accountability to those we serve.
Optimization of all revenue streams
Investment in Marywood’s people
Synchronize Facilities Growth with the Goals of the Three Parallel Pillars
We will think boldly and act with agility—expanding our national and global reach, growing enrollment, and equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation needed to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world.
Download PDFInfo For: