Winona State University leaders presented "Winona State 2035," a 10-year strategic framework built around three pillars—Warrior Way (belonging and student voice), Warrior Edge (academic and co-curricular innovation) and Warrior Shield (financial and operational resilience)—and asked the board to approve an updated vision statement.

President Kent (Jans) and a delegation including student body president Sofia Crow and provost Brenda Kowalewski described the community-driven planning process and cited metrics they view as central: 97% of graduates employed or in graduate school within one year and retention and graduation rates that the campus seeks to lift, particularly for specific student groups. "We felt we could achieve that vision through Winona State 2035," President Kent told trustees.

Trustees asked how the plan connects to the system’s Equity 2030 work and how success will be measured. Campus leaders pointed to enterprise data-hub work and to new advising and retention initiatives (Campus Compass) designed to address gaps among Pell-eligible students, men and veterans.

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee recommended adding the proposed vision statement to the board consent agenda. The Board of Trustees then approved the vision amendment by roll-call vote and added the revision to the consent agenda for formal board approval.

What’s next: Campus leaders said planning continues on several capital initiatives named in the presentation (including a proposed Foundation Hall residence project and the CECL learning center, which system staff will track through real-estate and capital approvals). Trustees asked for further metrics and updates as planning moves from draft to implementation.