Strategic Direction

We’re changing what it means to be a university.

Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.

Tradition + Innovation

Central to the Butler Beyond strategic direction is the commitment to embracing and supporting learners of all life stages and backgrounds. We recognize different learners have different needs and, therefore, may require different models of education.

Butler’s new strategic direction is based on advancing three models of education:

    • Traditional, residential undergraduate model
    • Lifelong learning model
    • Founding mission model
Strategic Commitments

A reflection of the words and statements expressed by our campus community throughout the planning process, the following strategic commitments serve as the foundation for Butler’s new strategic direction.

Ensure Butler’s programs and experiences are inclusive of the academic, social, and career needs of future learners.

Maximize the return on investment in a Butler education through exceptional focus on both access and outcomes.

Develop and enhance programs and experiences of distinction.

Develop and grow new educational and business models that address the future of higher education and drive long-term stability and success for the University.

Develop and support the organizational capabilities and capacity necessary to enable a culture of innovation and an effective organization.

Strategic Priorities

Seven strategic priorities have been established to focus efforts and advance each of the three models of education.

female in commencement regalia

Access & Impact

Ensure the accessibility, relevancy, and distinctive impact of a Butler degree.

seated students in Butler sweatshirts, female in white shirt and blond hair talking to them

Well-being

Enhance holistic student well-being and engagement.

student in maroon shirt looking at computer screen of white-haired woman in pink shirt in front of whiteboard with writing on it

Future Models

Establish Butler as a leader in developing future models of education.

blud sky, green trees, several males and females walking on a path, limestone building

Culture

Build a culture of empowerment, engagement, and accountability.

two LGBTQ+ Alliance members with that signage, one in a black sweatshirt reading Bad Witches Only, the other with sunglasses and an blue and black plaid shirt

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Create an intentionally diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus community.

Dugan hall with students walking in front. blue sky.

Operating Sustainability

Strengthen the University’s short- and long-term sustainability.

green lawn with BU cut out of it, observatory behind made of limestone

Reputation & Brand

Advance and strengthen Butler’s external reputation and brand.

Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.
multi-colored trees, limestone carillon behind them
Supporting our Strategic Direction
Browse All News