University Planning Advisory Council

The University Planning and Advisory Council (UPAC) serves as an advisory body to the President of the University on matters related to institutional planning, strategic direction, and priority setting. The Council’s charge includes:

Advise the President on the development, refinement, and implementation of the University’s long-term strategic directions and major institutional initiatives.

Provide counsel on proposed strategies and initiatives to ensure alignment with the University’s mission, vision, values, and external environment.

Review and advise on annual institutional objectives and priorities, ensuring they advance the University’s strategic initiatives and support measurable progress toward long-term goals.

Offer perspective on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities that may affect the University’s strategic positioning, academic excellence, financial sustainability, and public mission.

Serve as a forum for cross-divisional dialogue, promoting coordination, transparency, and shared understanding of institutional priorities.

UPAC acts in an advisory capacity only and does not exercise decision-making authority. Final decisions regarding strategic direction, initiatives, and annual objectives rest with the President. UPAC will generally meet monthly during the Fall and Spring Semesters and at least once in the Summer. The President may invite additional participants to attend meetings as needed based on agenda topics. The President or designee convenes and chairs the Council.

Membership on the University Planning and Advisory Council is by designated position to ensure broad institutional representation and continuity. Members serve by virtue of their administrative or governance roles.

UNIVERSITY PLANNING ADVISORY COUNCIL	INDIVIDUAL	ET/AC
VP Academic Affairs	Teresa Golden	ET
VP Business Affairs	Mark Bisson	ET
VP Student Affairs	April Lehrling, Interim	ET
VP Enrollment Management	Shelly Key	ET
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics	Keith Baxter	ET
Dean of Graduate Studies/OPM Liaison	Jeremy Blackwood	ET
Chief of Police	Durwood Cook	ET
AVP Academic Affairs—Undergraduate Studies	Susan Ronnenberg	AC
AVP Facilities and Construction Projects	Mike Stout	AC
Dean, John Massey School of Business	Rhonda Richards	AC
Chair or Vice Chair of Academic Council	Kay Daigle	AC
Faculty Senate Chair	Sondra Petty	AC
Staff Senate Chair	Kelly Hawthorne	AC
Executive Director Human Resources	Ty Anderson	AC
Executive Director Alumni Relations/Career Services	Stephanie Davison	AC
Director of Assessment	Kay Daigle	AC
Director of Teacher Education	Stewart Mayers	AC
Director of University Advancement	Mark Webb	AC
Special Assistant to President for Compliance	Mike Davis	AC
Executive Assistant to President/BA	Terri Rogers	AC