Dean Misty Johanson | Photo by Kathy Hillegonds
Together, we can strengthen our mission to transform students into socially responsible leaders ready to thrive in a diverse and global business environment.
What should the Driehaus College of Business Achieve by 2024?
Over the next few months, our college community will answer this question by creating a new strategic plan that will define our vision and goals for the next six years.
Our college’s path forward will be guided by the priorities set by the university’s 2024 strategic plan, which will be finalized soon. Shaped by insights contributed by faculty, staff and students across campus, the draft plan is scheduled to be presented by DePaul President A. Gabriel Esteban, PhD, to the university’s Board of Trustees for their approval this month. I encourage you to visit president.depaul.edu to read more about this strategic plan.
While the university’s road forward is still being mapped, it’s clear that both our university and college strategic plans must embrace change. Our institution’s business model is facing unprecedented challenges caused by national demographic and competitive trends that are depressing enrollments and revenues. At the same time, stagnant family incomes and government funding uncertainties are threatening college affordability. In this environment, we must make bold plans to ensure the long-term sustainability of DePaul’s mission.
I believe we must emphasize strategies that improve the value proposition and mix of the academic programs we offer. We must create new programs that address market demands and contribute revenues that sustain our future, while also seeking efficiencies that free resources to invest in our most successful initiatives. We must expand our efforts to promote student academic achievement, retention and career readiness. We must continue to develop faculty excellence in teaching and research.
We also must strengthen our engagement with alumni, business leaders and the community. These relationships are essential for us to continue offering students a DePaul education grounded in real-world learning and community service, as well as a powerful alumni network they can rely on throughout their careers.
I am excited about my appointment as dean and look forward to partnering with our faculty, staff, students and stakeholders to define the strategic direction of our college. Together, we can strengthen our mission to transform students into socially responsible leaders ready to thrive in a diverse and global business environment.
Misty Johanson
Dean
Driehaus College of Business
