Seton Hall announced its new strategic plan, "Inspiring Great Minds to Greater Purpose," on Monday.
The plan is described as a “hope-filled chapter” by University President Msgr. Joseph Reilly. It is “more than a roadway, it is a shared commitment,” ultimately making SHU “richer in genuine faith and academic excellence.”
Leigh Onimus, assistant provost for Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, echoed the sentiments made by Msgr. Reilly.
“This is not a plan that sits on a shelf,” Onimus said. “It is a living roadmap, and the community will see progress, milestones, and opportunities to stay engaged. It is a shared journey, and its success depends on everyone’s participation.”
Unanimously endorsed by the Board of Regents in June, the plan was finalized over the summer and revealed to the public at an event on Monday. Executive Vice President for Board Affairs and University Strategy, Amy Newcombe, opened the event, calling the plan “comprehensive, achievable, and ambitious.”
Newcombe said the plan aims to continue to prepare SHU students to be “compassionate servant leaders who profoundly impact society and are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”
“A strategic plan ensures that we stay mission-rooted, student-centered, and focus-focused, while anchoring our growth in the values of our patroness, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton,” she said.
Fr. Nicholas Sertich, director of Campus Ministry and SHU 2015 alumnus, also credits Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton as a guiding principle in the creation of the plan. Fr. Sertich called Saint Seton “the vision behind everything we do” and said, “It's nice to see [Seton’s] values be at the forefront and foundation of everything for this plan.”
In the official announcement of the plan, the university wrote God “intentionally called us, as individuals and a community to advance a greater expression of our foundational values,” reflecting the university’s Catholic roots.
The strategic plan has five pillars. The pillars are broad topics that serve as umbrellas, covering many key items that the strategic plan will focus on. The five strategic pillars are:
Transformational student experiences, putting students as top priority.
Embracing community, Catholic mission and culture, to aim to “integrate faith, reason, and service” into campus.
Impactful programs, research and innovation, promote academic programs, notably STEM [Science Technology Engineering and Math] research
Engaging alumni experience and partnerships to strengthen the university’s relationship with alumni and others around the globe.
Sustainable resources, to focus on being responsible with resources
A full, detailed list of the plan’s objectives can be found here.
“The objectives emerged from nearly two years of shared governance with broad community input through listening sessions, town halls, working groups and opportunities for digital feedback,” Onimus said.
Newcombe said the overarching goal of the plan is to improve the student experience..
“We want to ensure that everything we do benefits our students...investing in their learning, supporting their well-being, building mission-rich programs, and ensuring the responsible management of our treasures to foster long-term growth,” she said.
Fr. Sertich was also able to provide a unique perspective, comparing SHU now to his time as a student.
“Seton Hall had the biggest impact on me when I was a student here, and so it's really beautiful for me to see Seton Hall trying to do that for the next generation as well,” he said.
“There are so many good, genuinely good, people who I know very well who work very hard to make Seton Hall a real home for [the students],” Fr. Sertich added. “Everything with this plan, behind every single word and behind every value and every priority, it's them.”
According to Onimus, the plan will make the university an even greater place to foster growth, facilitate learning, and begin a life of purpose.
“Students will see expanded affordability initiatives, a stronger Career Center, more high-quality academic programs, and new opportunities to connect their faith, service, and professional goals,” she said.
The plan is not just about learning and growing while students are at SHU, Newcombe said, but it is also about preparing students to go above and beyond in the professional world.
“Above all, this plan ensures Seton Hall continues to prepare graduates who excel professionally and lead with purpose, faith, and compassion,” she said.
Out of the many key items that the plan emphasizes, Newcombe said she is most excited about offering Transformational Learning Experiences, or TiLEs. TiLEs is a tool that will assist students in focusing on activities and goals rooted in SHU’s Catholic mission.
SHU’s Student Government Association (SGA) President Jack Vaughn said he’s most excited about the TiLEs aspect of the plan. When he ran for SGA president, his campaign largely focused on expanding the Career Center.
“They’re going to start gradually allocating money to the Career Center that will enhance staff…and moving the location to make it more accessible and visible to students,” he said. “[This plan] is definitely going to benefit students from a career perspective.”
This plan is more than just a guideline or a checklist for the university to complete. For Newcombe, this plan is a reminder of why she came to SHU.
“This university is committed to developing not only excellent professionals but also compassionate leaders,” Newcombe said. “Personally, this plan is about ensuring that the values of faith, hope, and resilience guide everything we do and how we care for our community.”
Lakyn Austin is the assistant editor for The Setonian’s Features Section. She can be reached at lakyn.austin@student.shu.edu.
