Western Rising: WestConn Strategic Plan 2024-2030

Press release

DANBURY, Connecticut — Western Connecticut State University President Dr. Manohar Singh this week unveiled Western Rising: WestConn Strategic Plan 2024-2030, outlining a roadmap for growth and decision-making over the next five years. The initiative is part of Singh’s long-term vision to establish a stable and thriving institution.

The strategic plan emphasizes three key priorities:

• Student Success: Enhancing academic excellence, enrollment, retention, and completion rates.

• Inclusive Community Culture: Fostering a supportive environment for all members of the WestConn community.

• Sustainable Financial Stability: Ensuring economic efficiency and exploring revenue enhancement opportunities.

During a campus celebration on Sept. 25 marking the launch of the plan’s implementation phase, Singh highlighted significant progress made at WestConn, including an enrollment of 868 first-year students this fall — the largest freshman class since 2018.

“Over the past year, Western Connecticut State University has made remarkable strides in critical areas,” Singh said. “We have prioritized enhanced transparency, communication, accountability, and engagement while nurturing a more inclusive and collaborative environment. This strategic plan, developed over the past 11 months with input from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and our broader community, will propel us toward new heights in fulfilling our mission to change lives and build community through world-class education.”

The unveiling event was attended by faculty, staff, students, alumni, and several government officials, including Connecticut State Sen. Julie Kushner, State Reps. Bob Godfrey and Martin Foncello, and Commissioner Mark Boughton of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

In addition to long-term goals, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of improving organizational governance, ensuring financial sustainability, advancing academic excellence, and engaging in the accreditation process with the New England Commission of Higher Education. Notably, WCSU received designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution from the U.S. Department of Education in 2024.

“This strategic plan encompasses our mission statement, guiding values, and our vision for the future,” Singh shared with attendees. “Importantly, this is not a static document; it is a living blueprint that can evolve as we adopt new teaching methods and respond to the changing dynamics of the higher education landscape. Together, we will continue to educate students who will go on to change the world. We are committed, united, and bold. Nothing will deter us from our mission to enrich our communities and contribute to the building of our nation.”