Front of Comenius Hall and statue

Strategic Thinking

2025-26

A Message from President Grigsby

I am excited to develop Moravian University’s Strategic Thinking Plan. As the sixth-oldest college in the United States, Moravian University has been a cornerstone of education for more than 280 years. This plan, crafted by the Moravian University community, underscores our enduring commitment to the principles articulated by John Amos Comenius: that “education should concern itself with that which concerns society” and that “all alike . . . should be sent to school.”

“Education should concern itself with that which concerns society” and that “all alike . . should be sent to school.”

—John Amos Comenius

Moravian University, a comprehensive institution, is part of the New American Colleges and Universities consortium, which seeks to integrate liberal education, professional programs, and civic engagement. Through our strategic thinking, we reaffirm our commitment to providing undergraduate students exceptional academic experiences, including career advising, leadership and teamwork preparation, global opportunities, workforce-ready digital badging, and real-world career experiences.

Our focus extends well beyond undergraduate education. We are dedicated to the growth of our graduate and adult student populations. We will continue to lead in healthcare and rehabilitation sciences by expanding our healthcare programming and pioneering new healthcare initiatives. We will also serve a significantly underserved population by helping students achieve a better life through certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees through our newly created School of Professional Studies and Innovation.

Over the next five years, Moravian University will grow to between 2,000 and 2,500 undergraduates and adult learners and between 1,200 and 2,000 graduate students. Our community will reflect the diversity of our society, fostering a culture of equity and inclusion for all. We will build the systems and facilities and invest the resources necessary to fulfill this promise to our students.

Sincerely,
Dr. Bryon L. Grigsby ’90, P’22, P’26
President, Moravian University

Bryon L. Grigsby

Our Process

Student outside Comenius Hall in spring
Students outside Comenius Hall
Student sitting outside with laptop

Emerging Themes

Student and faculty work

United in Learning

Learning that is active and built through collaboration across campus is core to what we do and who we are. Connecting students to opportunities both in and out of the classroom and providing personalized student guidance sets our experience apart.

United in Learning

Theme Leaders: Jay Scifers, Christian Rice

Student group

Together Toward Equity

We continually seek to be a transformative and reflective institution bringing voice to our shared values. In these times, this means delivering on our promise to students and their families that Moravian will be an inclusive and equitable campus community. Ultimately, we strive to support the success of every student and be a place where our graduates and the whole community can experience a sense of belonging.

Together Toward Equity

Theme Leaders: Chris Hunt, Nicole Loyd, Jill Anderson, Jay Scifers, Scott Dams, Christian Rice

HUB Rendering

Aligning for Growth

Our future growth will be propelled by ongoing investments in both current and new academic programs, alongside the establishment of new external partnerships. Investing in our community is essential for our sustained success. In an ever-evolving world, realizing our ambitious goals demands the innovative use of technology and the creation of adaptable, dynamic physical spaces. Equally crucial to our future success will be our capacity to effectively communicate our unique story and to implement more advanced recruitment strategies.

Aligning for Growth

Theme Leaders: Jill Anderson, Dave Brandes, Scott Dams, Christian Rice, Mark Reed

Key Initiatives

Chemistry student

United in Learning

  • Create a transparent, cycle-based assessment ecosystem that demonstrably improves outcomes and continuously aligns the academic portfolio with institutional mission and community needs.
  • Develop Academic Programs by:
    • Conducting research to identify high-potential, on-mission academic programs.
    • Growing and assessing academic programs that expand Moravian’s reach into emerging workforce fields, expand lifelong learning, and/or support online/hybrid enrollment.
  • Continue development of a signature academic program and research initiative that establishes Moravian as the national leader in World Heritage study, management, and stewardship.
  • *Establish a thriving culture supporting faculty growth, with increased access to professional development and sponsored scholarly activity.

* Items added as a result of the Community Engagement Process.

Students in virtual lab

Together Toward Equity

  • Reimagine the Moravian undergraduate, graduate, and adult-learner student experience to measurably improve belonging, persistence, and post-graduation readiness, with clear retention targets and responsive programming — anchored by a Presidential Task Force beginning in 2026–2027.
  • Create a Student Success Hub (one-stop shop) that demonstrably improves undergraduate, graduate, and adult-learner student experiences and outcomes, with services continuously shaped by usage data and student need.
  • Develop and update academic access pathways and student resources to meet the needs of undergraduate, graduate, and adult students.
  • *Foster cross-campus dialogue to reduce silos and improve wellness and morale.

* Items added as a result of the Community Engagement Process.

Students in classroom looking at laptop

Aligning For Growth

  • Establish workforce-aligned growth using employer-validated curricula, internships, and experiential learning that serve undergraduate, graduate, and adult learners — driving sustained enrollment growth and persistence across all student populations.
  • Strengthen institutional awareness and communication through a unified and comprehensive internal and external communications plan.
  • Informed by the final recommendations of the Presidential Task Force for AI, develop and implement measurable enhancements to learning, research, and operations through AI, with clear institutional governance and accountability.
  • Continue program health and assessment review of existing programs to ensure alignment with institutional mission, enrollment and graduation data, program growth opportunities, and financial health.

Guiding Principles

Mission Statement

Moravian University’s education prepares each individual for a reflective life, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change.

Moravian University’s Strategic Thinking is aligned with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education’s (MSCHE) five guiding principles in relation to the commission’s standards for accreditation.

  • Moravian University –› MSCHE
  • Mission –› Mission Centric
  • United in Learning –› Centrality of Student Experience
  • Together toward Equity –› Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Aligning for Growth –› Data Informed Decision Making & Innovation

Faculty, staff and students - please visit AMOS for more Strategic Thinking reports.