For over 130 years, Viterbo University has been shaped by the institution’s distinctive Catholic, Franciscan identity and the legacy of its founding Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Viterbo is dedicated to sustaining and advancing the FSPA’s historical focus on meeting societal needs through education and service, as expressed in the current mission and identity statements. Viterbo’s core values articulate a uniquely Franciscan context for the university’s culture, academic programs, student experience, decision-making, and planning. The vision statement integrates Viterbo’s history, identity, mission, values, and educational framework into a cohesive, future-oriented whole.

Viterbo University has a strong legacy of participatory strategic planning toward mission fulfillment. In May 2023, the Board of Trustees approved Strategic Plan 2027—RISE. The plan integrates the conceptual themes of Strategic Plan 2020 with the five pillars of President Trietley’s Vision 2027. Through the RISE Goals and Priorities, the Viterbo community will engage in collective action to strengthen the university’s resource base, foster a missional and inclusive campus culture, increase student enrollment and success, and become the regional higher education employer of choice. Viterbo will monitor the progress of RISE using a set of Strategic Key Performance Indicators that align with the goals of the plan, derive from internal and publicly available data, and serve as markers of mission effectiveness. As Viterbo anticipates and adapts to the dynamic higher education environment, the institution remains firmly committed to its foundational Catholic, Franciscan identity and its mission of preparing students for faithful service and ethical leadership.

For a summary of the strategic plan, visit RISE One-Page Overview. Members of the Viterbo community can explore the RISE SharePoint site (employee login required), view the Strategic KPI Dashboard, or contact the Steering Committee.

Timothy Schorr, co-chair
Assistant Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness
tbschorr@viterbo.edu
608-796-3774
Murphy Center 223

Naomi Stennes-Spidahl, co-chair
Director, Assessment and Institutional Research
nrstennesspidahl@viterbo.edu
608-796-3481
Murphy Center 503