University of Saint Francis (Multiple Projects)

Project 1: Revenue Growth and Efficiency Studies

Stevens Strategy provided strategic planning and PRO processes resulting in a new mix of academic programs and a new vision, strategy, operational plan for University of Saint Francis. Following those processes we provided Revenue Growth and Efficiency Studies to guide the university as it endeavors to cut expenses and add revenue.

The Client’s View

Ian D. Boyce, Board of Trustee Liaison to the Campus Steering Committee, University of Saint Francis

“John, thank you for your commitment of time, knowledge and expertise in developing a foundation from which the University of St. Francis could begin to understand its current position and the changes necessary to move the institution forward in the years to come. Without a credible process and a common understanding of where we are, the resolve would not be there to make the difficult choices. As you point out, we have made some initial steps but it is the remaining journey and the road that we take that will determine our future. It has been a pleasure getting to know you. I appreciate the caring and compassion with which you have taken on your work. I wish you all the best in the years ahead!”

Sister Elise Kriss, (now retired) President:

“There was an expectation that Stevens Strategy would help get the budget in line. The recommendations for implementation of the staffing reduction, though hard to do, were the most successful part of the project. We still seem to be overstaffed on the academic side. The revenue and efficiency report will guide some future discussions. Stevens Strategy’s greatest strengths are assistance with data gathering, the consistent push with President’s Cabinet and the Board to act and the work of Bob DeColfmacker. More regular conversations with the entire President’s Cabinet may have better integrated the President’s Cabinet’s very diverse opinions about the project.”

Dr. Lance Richey, President (then Vice President for Academic Affairs)

“Stevens Strategy delivered all that we contracted for and met all the deadlines. The most successful parts of the project were the structure for the work and data delivered to assist in deliberations. Stevens Strategy’s greatest strength is its deep understanding of strategy and university financials. Conducting the Efficiency Review after the Non-Academic PRO Process, while prescribed by our contract, made operationalizing the work more difficult”

Project 2: Strategic Planning and PRO Processes

Stevens Strategy provided strategic planning and PRO processes resulting in a new mix of academic programs and a new vision, strategy, operational plan for University of Saint Francis.

The Client’s View

Dr. Lance Richey, President (then Vice President for Academic Affairs):

“Stevens Strategy accomplished a difficult process on time and exceeded our expectations. They utilized a steering team model that involved broad swathes of the campus, clearly communicating in advance the details of the process and what could be expected. John Stevens drove the processes that could easily have been derailed or slowed by recalcitrant participants. We could not have accomplished this without them.”