Strategic Priority 2

Strengthen the viability, quality, and identity of United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools in the United States. 

Strategic Objectives:

• Examine and interpret the meaning and value of the United Methodist heritage in higher education and theological education.
• Strengthen the relationship between United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools and The United Methodist Church.
• Enhance chaplaincy programs at United Methodist-related institutions.
• Increase the effectiveness of the University Senate to evaluate institutional integrity, governance and administration, program quality, and church relatedness.
• Determine the availability and nature of leadership programs at United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools in order to share model programs and best practices.
• Create a pool of United Methodist higher-education administrators for senior leadership roles at United Methodist-related colleges, universities, and theological schools.
• Provide technical assistance to our schools, colleges, and universities, and theological schools.

Strategic Outcomes:

• United Methodist-related schools, colleges, and universities, as well as United Methodist congregations, understand and embrace the values and significance of United Methodist-related education.
• The Division of Higher Education and its organizations create synergy among its member institutions to enhance its leadership goals.
• The relationship between United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools and The United Methodist Church is characterized by effective communication, collaboration, and mutual accountability in pursuit of shared goals for leadership development.
• A strengthened chaplaincy program is in place that results in demonstrated increased participation and commitment to Christian leadership.
• A formal network of United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools is created to share information about existing leadership programs and to encourage the development of new programs.