Vision:

A Strategic Plan for Furman University is the product of a process that was broadly participatory. The strategic planning steering committee conducted forums with over 80 campus, community, and alumni groups, engaged a research firm to gather survey data from students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and prospective students, and created a strategic planning website for ongoing community discussion.

From these discussions, a strong community consensus emerged on many key elements of Furman's identity and future aspirations. Reflecting that consensus, this strategic plan is designed as a foundation for articulating the governing values and principles that will guide Furman through the decade 2011 to 2020.

Vision 2020 is not a laundry list of specific projects and programs presented as a mechanistic catalogue of "to do" goals to be checked off as achieved, as those projects and programs happen to present themselves to the Furman community. No snapshot of Furman's most pressing needs and priorities in October 2011 can reliably predict or direct decisions two, five, or 10 years into the future. Rather, this strategic plan is intended as a framework to channel discretion and guide the university community as it engages in an ongoing process of strategic and tactical deliberation and judgment in coming years.

About Us:

At the heart of our University is an outstanding academic program, with top-notch faculty whose chief priority is teaching undergraduate students. We also offer distinguished visual and performing arts programs, NCAA Division I athletics, and a campus community that values collaboration and fosters empathy for a diversity of ideas and perspectives.

Our campus is internationally recognized for its beauty and provides an inspiring haven for academic study and social life. Our commitment to housing all students on campus for four years underscores our belief that a close-knit student body enhances scholarly activity, personal growth, and leadership development.

Founded in 1826, our private university is located in Greenville, South Carolina. Modern, sophisticated academic buildings are complemented by comprehensive athletics, recreational and social facilities. Student housing ranges from traditional dormitory residences to apartments. The James B. Duke Library includes more than 500,000 volumes. The 750-acre campus features an Asian garden, a replica of Henry David Thoreau's cabin, the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability, a Florentine bell tower, a spring-fed lake, 13 miles of paved trails through the woodlands for hiking and biking and an 18-hole golf course.

Greenville has experienced a cultural and economic renaissance, making it one of the nation's best places to live. Its downtown is a major destination for business and tourism, and businesses in the greater Greenville area provide a variety of internship, research, volunteer, and career opportunities. Within close reach of the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic beaches, the area abounds with recreational and outdoor activities, and direct flights by major airlines from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport are just 35 minutes from the Furman campus.