Strategic Direction

We’re changing what it means to be a university.

Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.

BU metal structure on green lawn

Tradition + Innovation

Central to the Butler Beyond strategic direction is the commitment to embracing and supporting learners of all life stages and backgrounds. We recognize different learners have different needs and, therefore, may require different models of education.

Butler’s new strategic direction is based on advancing three models of education:

  • Traditional, residential undergraduate model
  • Lifelong learning model
  • Founding mission model

Strategic Commitments

A reflection of the words and statements expressed by our campus community throughout the planning process, the following strategic commitments serve as the foundation for Butler’s new strategic direction.

Strategic Priorities

Seven strategic priorities have been established to focus efforts and advance each of the three models of education.

female in commencement regalia

Access & Impact

Ensure the accessibility, relevancy, and distinctive impact of a Butler degree.

View Initiatives
seated students in Butler sweatshirts, female in white shirt and blond hair talking to them

Well-being

Enhance holistic student well-being and engagement.

View Initiatives
student in maroon shirt looking at computer screen of white-haired woman in pink shirt in front of whiteboard with writing on it

Future Models

Establish Butler as a leader in developing future models of education.

View Initiatives
blud sky, green trees, several males and females walking on a path, limestone building

Culture

Build a culture of empowerment, engagement, and accountability.

View Initiatives
two LGBTQ+ Alliance members with that signage, one in a black sweatshirt reading Bad Witches Only, the other with sunglasses and an blue and black plaid shirt

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Create an intentionally diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus community.

View Initiatives
Dugan hall with students walking in front. blue sky.

Operating Sustainability

Strengthen the University’s short- and long-term sustainability.

View Initiatives
green lawn with BU cut out of it, observatory behind made of limestone

Reputation & Brand

Advance and strengthen Butler’s external reputation and brand.

View Initiatives

Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.

Supporting our Strategic Direction

View All
Becky Tanowski leads a class session at Butler Lab School 55
Butler University’s Teacher-Led, Teacher Education Program Provides Training for Teachers with Alternative Credentials

Butler University is addressing Indiana’s teacher shortage through a new program designed to support new teachers, alternatively credentialed teachers, emergency-permitted teachers, or long-term substitute teachers with the training they need to succeed in the classroom. Butler’s first cohort of teachers will begin the first module of training in its “Teacher-Led, Teacher Education” program at the […]