Today's unprecedented challenges—from climate change and health crises to rapidly evolving technologies—demand urgent action and innovative solutions. Faculty and students at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) have long been at the forefront of addressing such challenges through interdisciplinary research, teaching and public scholarship. Building on this foundation, the College has developed a five-year Academic Strategic Plan (ASP) that deepens its commitment to transforming liberal arts education and empowering students to become leaders who can navigate an ever-changing world.

From Classroom to Community

The plan, “Shaping the Future: Innovation, Engagement and Impact," charts a course for how students, faculty and staff will lead in addressing climate change, advancing human health and well‑being, fostering inclusive communities, and harnessing emerging technologies.

Four pillars form the foundation of the plan:

• climate change and the environment;
• health and well-being;
• culture, community and change;
• and innovative technologies.

These pillars reflect areas where A&S already has deep, cross-disciplinary expertise—bringing together scientists, humanists and social scientists whose scholarship directly addresses these global challenges. At the same time, the College is committed to ensuring that disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary ambition continue to reinforce each other, providing the opportunity to innovate while strengthening both. This alignment ensures the plan builds on proven strengths while expanding opportunities for collaboration and real-world impact.

"Higher education faces genuine pressures that demand we clearly demonstrate what only we can do—then do those things at a level no one can ignore. That is what this plan outlines,” says A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi. “It underscores that the real case for a liberal arts education is concrete: the ability to write clearly when your peers cannot, to see patterns across domains that specialists miss, and to navigate complexity when algorithms fail. These are competitive advantages, not just intellectual virtues."

Many Perspectives, One Path Forward

Among those most energized by the plan are A&S alumni, many of whom are eager to contribute their expertise to help shape its success. In October 2025, the Dean’s Advisory Board convened to review the plan draft. Through conversations with the dean, faculty and campus leadership, the group weighed in on the College’s priorities and offered valuable perspective on the plan’s aspirations and goals.

During another strategic engagement day hosted by A&S on February 11, a select group of intergenerational guests that included current and former University trustees and A&S board members spent time on campus exploring the plan’s pillars, engaging directly with faculty and students, and offering candid insights that will inform next steps. The program featured TED-style faculty talks, student lunch conversations, personalized deep-dive sessions and an interactive faculty panel, giving guests an inside view of how the Academic Strategic Plan comes to life.

Participants embraced the opportunity to learn about the pillars and provide real-time feedback while taking part in behind-the-scenes experiences. They left with a deeper understanding of how A&S is advancing its strategic priorities—and with a clear sense of how their own insights, networks and partnership can meaningfully support the College’s goals.

For many, the experience affirmed A&S’ momentum and potential. “Amidst the currents that higher education is facing, I am encouraged by the strategic vision for the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Zach Finley G’17, an economist with UBS AG. “Now is the time to champion the liberal arts, based on the pillars Dean Behzad Mortazavi, the faculty and staff articulated during this experience.”

Others echoed this sense of optimism and pride. “What an eye-opener!” said University Trustee Chris Carona ’85, P’22, ’23, now a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. “I was so impressed with the faculty we spent time with throughout the day. Heidi Hehnly was absolutely exceptional—she’s a tremendous ambassador for Arts and Sciences and represents the very best of what makes Syracuse special: brilliant, dedicated people who are creating real opportunity for students. The experience gave me such a clear view of the incredible talent and vision driving the College forward.”

This strong alumni response underscores a growing sense of shared purpose: a belief that the Academic Strategic Plan represents an ambitious vision that they, too, can help bring to life. Their early endorsement—and their eagerness to stay engaged—signals the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration between the College and its most dedicated supporters.

In order to make the College’s plans more accessible to its greater alumni population, A&S will also host a virtual conversation with Dean Behzad Mortazavi on February 24, 2026, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET, moderated by Dean’s Advisory Board Chair Lisa Schweitzer Courtice ’84. There has already been significant interest, with more than 100 alumni and friends registered to join. Held via Zoom, the session will offer participants a direct look at the vision behind Shaping the Future, highlight how the College is preparing students to tackle global challenges and explore the unique role the liberal arts play in addressing issues across climate change, health and well-being, culture and community, and emerging technologies.

The College also hosted an interactive Academic Strategic Plan launch event on February 12 designed to spark faculty engagement in its implementation. Around 100 guests attended the event at Schine’s Goldstein Auditorium, which featured six hands-on stations where faculty explored the plan’s goals, provided feedback and discovered opportunities that align with their teaching, research and community work. Creative elements like the ASP Passport, LEGO “Build Your Vision” challenge and Haiku competition made the launch both meaningful and memorable while generating excitement for the ASP.

View more photos from the faculty ASP kickoff event.

A Framework for Impact

The new strategic plan advances the goals of Syracuse University’s broader ASP: “Leading with Distinction,” and its commitment to research excellence, student success and public impact. With more than 4,000 students and 300 faculty across myriad departments, centers and institutes, A&S is a hub of interdisciplinary scholarship and innovation. Each pillar is supported by targeted goals, implementation strategies and measurable outcomes that will shape the academic experience for students and faculty alike.

“Our four pillars are deeply interconnected and reflect the complexity of the world we live in,” says Mortazavi. “This plan reflects our shared vision for a future where our students don’t just succeed—they lead, they innovate and they make a difference.”

Learn more about each of the pillars below:

Climate Change and the Environment

Increasing global temperatures are reshaping our world—driving extreme weather, rising seas and disrupting ecosystems. To prepare students to address these urgent environmental challenges, A&S is strengthening its focus on sustainability and climate resilience by expanding access to hands-on research and learning experiences. Faculty will also benefit through increased research funding, opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and robust support for developing innovative curricula.

Health and Well-being

In response to rising rates of chronic illness, mental health challenges and health disparities, A&S is enhancing its health-focused curriculum and research initiatives. The College will emphasize holistic, inclusive approaches to health care, empowering students to gain valuable clinical training, contribute to community outreach initiatives and engage in groundbreaking research across diverse fields.

Culture, Community and Change

One of today’s pressing challenges is increasing societal divisions. A&S is working to bridge these divisions through research, teaching and community engagement that promote understanding and collaboration across human differences. Faculty, staff and students will work together to explore the cultural and historical forces shaping our world, helping communities and students become thoughtful, ethical leaders who can drive positive change.

Innovative Technologies

From artificial intelligence to quantum computing, emerging technologies are reshaping every aspect of society. A&S is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation by integrating technology across disciplines and preparing students to lead in a rapidly evolving digital world. Students will have access to new courses, research labs and entrepreneurial opportunities, allowing them to engage in breakthrough research. The College’s leadership in quantum science, astrophysics, engaged humanities, bioinspired engineering and more underscores its commitment to shaping the future of technology in ways that are ethical, inclusive and impactful.

A Community of Purpose

A point of emphasis in the strategic plan centers on community, both within the College and in its partnerships with local, national and global organizations. Through reciprocal engagement, A&S aims to translate research into real-world solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Faculty recruitment, student support and fundraising efforts will be aligned with the plan’s priorities, ensuring that the College has the resources to sustain its ambitious goals. New study abroad opportunities, interdisciplinary research centers and community-based learning programs will further enrich the academic experience.

Support from alumni and friends is key to sustaining this ambitious vision. Whether through annual giving, endowed scholarships or support for specific initiatives within the four strategic pillars, investments enable A&S to bring in and retain world-class faculty, provide transformative learning experiences for students, modernize research facilities and infrastructure, and strengthen community partnerships. Their continued engagement, from collaborating on the plan itself to empowering the next generation of scholars, offers meaningful ways to shape the future of the liberal arts and sciences at Syracuse University.

To learn more about the ASP, or to support its vision, visit artsandsciences.syracuse.edu/vision2030.