Strategic Plan

2022–2025

Local Solutions for Global Impact

Agriculture sits at the nexus of our world’s greatest challenges to environmental, plant, animal and human health and well-being. At Colorado State University, we are driven by our land-grant commitment to Colorado to solve these challenges on a local and global scale. Through our investments in people, programs and places, we are pursuing game-changing discoveries to ensure a sustainable, thriving planet and a flourishing humanity. 

Our Vision

Revolutionizing how we nurture people and our planet.

Our Purpose

Together, we promise future generations a vibrant agriculture, a healthy environment and thriving communities.

Our Values

Actions manifest our essence. With CSU’s Principles of Community as a guide, we serve with excellence, intention, rigor, optimism, empathy, creativity and wisdom.

Our Mission

In the context of a changing climate, we meet global challenges in food safety, food security, wellness and economic prosperity through
the sustainable use of natural resources. We excel in our 21st century land-grant mission by integrating intentional discovery,
inclusive learning and collaborative engagement.

INTENTIONAL DISCOVERY

Agriculture is a fulcrum for discovery of principles and practice.

We draw on diverse scientific disciplines and perspectives to solve real-world problems of agriculture, the environment and community well-being. We practice innovation by spanning boundaries, challenging convention and viewing obstacles as opportunities. We achieve lasting impact through collaboration and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders and scientists.

INCLUSIVE LEARNING

Lived experience is the best teacher.

We empower learners and citizens to serve and succeed. Our curriculum is deeply connected to our scientific discovery and active stakeholder engagement.

We challenge our students to grow, while surrounding them with support. We prioritize hands-on learning to catalyze student motivation, while building confidence and competency in critical thinking, decision-making and communication.

COLLABORATIVE ENGAGEMENT

Engaged scholarship is our promise and way of being.

We learn from and actively engage diverse stakeholders across a continuum of shared experiences that spans conversation to co-creation.

We apply science with collective wisdom for the betterment of society, ask important questions, and value all voices.

Our Areas of Impact

 

Our future work will build on a proud tradition of innovation in agricultural sciences at CSU. Guided by our shared vision, we are mobilizing around and investing in eight strategic focus areas for leadership and impact – regionally, nationally and globally. Our strategic planning process is one of continual improvement – we will measure, evaluate, communicate and rigorously examine our progress against our goals and objectives. When adjustments need to be made, we will do so systematically, decisively and with purpose. 

Excellence in our 21st century land-grant mission

Our work spans our trifold land-grant mission of research, teaching and engagement, reflecting both our strengths as an institution and the needs of the diverse stakeholders we serve.

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Our Thematic Priorities

  • Innovating local and global food systems

  • Advancing the science of regenerative agricultural systems

  • Accelerating agriculture’s climate resiliency

  • Nurturing human wellness and thriving communities

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Our Foundations

  • Cultivating and growing an inclusive, respectful, and equitable community

  • Convening and supporting critical conversations to address wicked problems

  • Preparing tomorrow’s leaders for global challenges

  • Promoting agricultural literacy with awareness, knowledge, discovery, and decision-making