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Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning Consultants for Colleges, Universities & Schools

Design and achieve your desired future.

Effective strategic planning is the lynchpin for successful management of educational institutions in our rapidlychanging world. The [Stevens Strategy] 5–phased strategic planning process has been proven successful at numerous colleges, universities and schools, whether they are large or small, public or independent.
Our process encourages the president and board to lead their institution in developing its vision and strategy, yet it also provides a process that allows the whole campus community — its faculty, staff, students, alumni and others — to take ownership of the plan through extensive involvement in its development. The consistent achievement of both of these objectives (executive leadership and broad ownership) while producing a sound and compelling strategic plan is a feat that distinguishes the [Stevens Strategy] process.

The five strategic planning phases include:

Phase I: Process Design
Phase II: Responses to Strategic Issues
Phase III: Strategic Agenda Development
Phase IV: Operational Planning
Phase V: Implementation

We can work with your institution through some or all five phases, depending on your needs, to develop and achieve the path to your desired future.

Click here to view a printable PDF of our Strategic Planning Services

Testimonials

  • “To you John and Brendan, as well as all those at [Stevens Strategy] — with a special thanks to Michael for all the financial work and help — we at Rosemont are so grateful. You did say that you hoped to exceed our expectations (which were really high!) and you did. You have certainly been there for us, in so many ways, all the way through what for us was an amazing, historic, and transformative process. Thank you.”
    Dr. Sharon Hirsh, President, Rosemont College
  • “It has been my pleasure to work with [Stevens Strategy]. Not only has it been beneficial to my College, but I also learn something new with each project that we engage the firm. As an administrator, sometimes you have a tendency to think you have all the answers for your institution. [Stevens Strategy] has helped us transform our institution because they asked us to examine our institution differently, look to our external environment, create a vision, develop a plan to implement that vision, and then measure the success of the plan’s implementation (and three years later help us design the next phase of implementation). We are a different institution today because of Stevens. [new paragraph] The final business plan far exceeded my expectations in its depth and support for the overall vision, particularly in the area of financial projections (where you really prove if your plan works). By far the most successful aspect of the project was working with Brendan Leonard in producing the final document. He was able to provide an objective “eye” for the project and was particularly helpful in building the financial worksheets. Both [John and Brendan] are engaging, insightful and visionary in their ability to help you take your institution to the next level. This is the second major engagement we have had with [Stevens Strategy] and we will definitely be working with them again. I will gladly rave about the firm to anyone you like!”
    Dr. Sharon DeVivo, Senior VP, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
  • “Over the past 10 years, Vaughn College has engaged [Stevens Strategy] in a variety of projects from an institution-wide strategic planning effort and academic program review to board development and financial modeling. We continue to work with this dynamic group because of their ability to understand institutional issues, frame those issues for the constituents involved and help to lead constructive and engaging conversations on our campus. This exceptional service is the result of John Stevens and Brendan Leonard’s insightful and visionary ability to assist you in taking your institution to the next level. Every time we have worked with John, Brendan and the rest of the team they have exceeded our expectations.”
    Dr. Sharon DeVivo, Senior VP, Vaughn College
  • “Gwynedd-Mercy College achieved great success with [Stevens Strategy] in developing its strategic agenda and operational plan. The firm’s knowledge and expertise enabled the college to engage in an inclusive collaborative process that resulted in tangible products that will carry GMC forward. In the end, I have not only a plan document (and related financial tools), but also a methodology and structure to sustain the planning process.” [new paragraph] “I very much appreciated the personal attention I received from John, Brendan and Michael. John Stevens was an outstanding communicator who was well received by all members of our college community. Furthermore, Brendan Leonard was extremely effective in working with a broad range of college constituents. I would not hesitate to recommend [Stevens Strategy] to my colleagues in the higher education community.”
    Dr. Kathleen Owens, President, Gwynedd-Mercy College