Bates is entering a pivotal chapter—one shaped by both opportunity and responsibility. Grounded in our enduring mission and values, and animated by a bold vision for the future, this strategic framework charts a path that advances our distinct approach to liberal arts education and strengthens our impact in a rapidly changing world.

These five areas of focus represent the college’s most important priorities for the coming years. They are designed to focus our collective efforts, guide investment, and align our work across the institution. Together, they reflect Bates’ core commitments: to academic inquiry and creative exploration, to equity and community, to leadership rooted in empathy and purpose, and to stewardship that sustains our mission for generations to come.

This framework is dynamic by design—it will evolve as we listen, learn, and refine. It is not a finished product, but a foundation for shared progress and a call to action as we shape the Bates of tomorrow.

Areas of Focus

1. Liberal Arts for the Future

Create and sustain innovative academic programs, interdisciplinary learning, and career pathways that expand the reach and impact of a liberal arts education while maintaining its core values. Build capacity and align resources at the departmental, programmatic, and cross-functional levels to enable sustainable curricular innovation, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure student success through integrated academic and co-curricular initiatives. Invest in faculty while expanding programs, internships, and mentorship networks; embrace and implement emerging technologies; create opportunities for intensive research, art-making, and experiential education; and make the thesis/capstone experience sustainable for all students.

2. Strengthening Community & Well-Being

Enhance the campus experience for students, faculty, and staff by strengthening residential and academic life, athletics, the arts, and holistic student support for a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy Bates community. Develop and coordinate structures at the program, department, and cross-functional levels to integrate wellness, inclusion, and engagement practices into the daily academic, co-curricular, and professional life of the college. Invest in facilities, programs, and opportunities that promote belonging, personal growth, and professional fulfillment—for all members of the Bates community.

3. Place, Partnerships & Purpose

Prepare students to lead with integrity, adaptability, and collaboration in a complex and interconnected world. Expand academic and co-curricular programs that develop ethical reasoning, intercultural fluency, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving.

Strengthen institutional infrastructure and coordination across departments, centers, and programs to embed partnership development, civic and global engagement, and purpose-driven learning into the student experience and alumni relations.

Broaden and deepen partnerships—locally, nationally, and globally—that provide opportunities for professional development, community engaged learning, civic and community collaboration, global education, sustainability, and innovation.

Strengthen lifelong connection to Bates by cultivating a vibrant alumni network rooted in shared mission, purpose, and pride. Support meaningful and mutually rewarding relationships between alumni and students, and among alumni themselves, positioning Bates as a community that remains central to students’ lives long after graduation.

4. Advancing Access, Opportunity & Success

Strengthen financial aid and affordability initiatives for families across the spectrum of resources to ensure that a Bates education remains accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. Increase need-based aid, reduce financial barriers, and expand opportunities to attract and support a diverse and dynamic student body. 

Enhance coordination and capacity across academic departments, student services, and administrative units to identify and address structural barriers and ensure inclusive access to the full range of curricular and co-curricular opportunities.

Go beyond access, enabling every student, regardless of financial means, to fully benefit from the academic, social, and residential life of the college. From their first day through graduation, all students should be able to take full advantage of the Bates experience—engaging deeply in learning, leadership, and community—so they leave prepared to contribute their talents to the wider world and continue to grow.

5. Responsible Stewardship & Institutional Sustainability

Invest in the long-term sustainability of Bates’ people, places, and resources. Strengthen financial sustainability, environmental stewardship, and strategic planning to ensure the college thrives for generations to come.

Equip departments, operational units, and cross-functional teams with the tools, data, and shared practices to advance financial responsibility, environmental sustainability, and long-range planning within their areas.

This includes setting clear goals for growing the endowment, increasing annual fund performance, and cultivating a culture of high-impact alumni giving. Bates should also invest in campus infrastructure and explore diversified revenue streams to reduce reliance on tuition and optimize the use of college assets.