AYS StrategicPlan 2025 PROOF4 - Flipbook - Page 8
OUR PROCESS
The Andrew Young School launched a strategic planning initiative in 2024, inspired by the appointment of
Dean Thomas J. Vicino and aligned with Georgia State University’s BluePrint to 2033. This moment marked
an ideal opportunity for re昀氀ection and growth as the college sought to align its mission and work with the
university’s four strategic pillars.
Dean Vicino began his tenure with a 100-day listening tour, engaging faculty, staff, students, alumni, and
community members to better understand the school’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. These
conversations laid the groundwork for building trust, assembling a leadership team, and shaping the direction
of the strategic planning process.
In summer 2024, approximately 50 academic leaders gathered for a retreat to re昀椀ne the college’s mission,
reaf昀椀rm shared values, and de昀椀ne long-term priorities. After the retreat, Dean Vicino appointed three task
forces: Strategic Growth, Research Innovation, and Organizational Development and Community. Each
task force, led by an associate dean and composed of approximately 12 faculty and staff, was charged with
evaluating current practices and recommending focused, actionable strategies.
Over the next year, the college community remained actively engaged in the planning process. The process
emphasized transparency and inclusivity through a range of structured engagements. A college-wide faculty
and staff meeting in fall 2024 showcased task force progress and invited feedback. Monthly meetings with the
Management and Executive Committees provided continuous oversight. The college engaged alumni across
major cities to gather external insights. Additionally, students offered input through quarterly meetings with
the Student Government Association and informal gatherings with the dean, which fostered meaningful
dialogue across all levels of the community.
Ultimately, their feedback helped shape a plan that is forward-looking and grounded in the shared ambition
to position the Andrew Young School for lasting impact.
