Institutions are periodically faced with big, hard, existential decisions: To turnaround or close in the face of financial infirmity, to anticipate a prospective adverse environmental development or to respond to a contemporary challenge to its long-held mission and values. The solutions to conundrums like these require institutional leaders and the campus community to accept and embrace fundamental change.
Stevens Strategyis extremely successful in leading processes that help campuses face these existential challenges with optimism, determination, and ultimately, success. In other words, we help institutions make impossible change happen.
Our Focused Strategic Analysis service includes one or more of the following components:
- The conduct of an emergency situational analysis and development of short and long term turnaround plans.
- The conduct, analysis and presentation of research on a difficult prospective strategic decision.
- The facilitation of a cross-functional institutional team charged with conducting an objective analysis of a strategic decision and reporting regularly to the full campus community.
- The facilitation of the development of recommendations that will shape realistically the optimum scenario for the College’s future so that the institution may thrive in the long term.
Testimonials From Previous Partners
Albright College
Strategic Planning Process
Prior to the formation of Stevens Strategy, John Stevens, as a senior member of another firm, provided the design and facilitation of a 5-phased strategic planning process, which was combined to serve also as the college’ s self-study, resulting in full re-accreditation and a revitalized academic and financial future for Albright College.
Our Client’s View
Dr. Jeffrey Barker, Converse College Provost and former Albright College Strategic Planning Coordinator
“Dr. Stevens was invaluable in guiding the first organized strategic planning process at Albright College. His clear vision, direct approach, and proven models helped produce a strategic agenda that gave Albright both immediate momentum and the structures necessary for continued success in strategic planning. He helped us become better planners, giving us many of the tools we needed to do the job that needed to be done. The results went well beyond survival–Albright thrived as a result of solid planning.”
Insights From Our Experts
Bob Jones University
Situational Analysis
Stevens Strategy conducted a review institutional planning information to determine if the information was in conformance with the Board’s approved institutional strategy and offered recommendations for improvement.
Our Client’s View
Marshall Franklin, Chief Operating Officer, Bob Jones University
“The board presentation went very well today as the results of the study were well received. The finance committee and the board were happy to have confirmation on direction and specific opportunities for adjustments and improvements. I believe they are satisfied with our strategy and financial plan…Thanks again for your hard work, flexibility and service. Special thanks for the last call which allowed us to directly answer a few questions they would have had.”
Rosemont College
Strategic Planning
Stevens Strategy provided the design and facilitation of a 5-phased strategic planning process resulting in a new strategic agenda, entitled Meeting the Wants of the Age, a financial planning model, revenue center analysis and operational plan for Rosemont College.
Our Client’s View
Dr. Sharon Hirsh, President, Rosemont College
“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.”
Wilson College
Strategic Financial Analysis
Stevens Strategy completed an analysis and assessment of the financial operations at Wilson College.
Our Client’s View
Dr. Lorna Edmundson, President, Wilson College
“Mike was great! [He gave] a thoughtful and provocative presentation on small college finance, particularly aspects of Wilson’s financial opportunities and challenges.”