The University of Akron's Board of trustees today approved a new strategic plan for the University's future called Vision 2020. 2020 will mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the University of Akron.

The new strategic plan calls for spending $1-billion for student programs, a 30% increase in enrollment, $200-million in annual research spending, and the hiring of 160 new faculty and staff.

University of Akron Trustees Approve Vision 2020 Plan by Akron NewsNow

News Release From The University Of Akron

Today, the University of Akron Board of Trustees gave its unanimous support to a new strategic plan called Vision 2020. The year 2020 is the 150th anniversary of the founding of the University, and the plan calls for bold initiatives and significant growth, including: · A $1 billion target reflecting an investment in student programs, faculty, research, campus and community A more than 30% increase in enrollment from the current 30,000 to 40,000 learners), including growth of students in and out of state, international students and e-learners. $200 million commitment in annual research expenditures, including hiring 160 new faculty and staff Launching The Akron Experience, a new initiative that provides every student with a unique in-and-out-of-the-classroom learning experience to strengthen the connection between campus and community New criteria for enrollment and targeted learning pathways for each student to increase retention, graduation and job-placement rates.

The University has experienced tremendous growth in the last 10 years, with enrollment and fundraising at all-time highs, and new campus building and renovation totaling more than $600 million ($90 million in just the last year)… well on its way to reaching the $1 billion target in 2020.