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
VP Academic Affairs/Provost	Teresa Golden
VP Business Affairs	Mark Bisson
VP Student Affairs	Brad Ludrick
VP Advancement	Shelly Mencacci
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics	Keith Baxter
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs/Special Assistant to President for Strategic Planning/OPM Liaison	Jeremy Blackwood
Chief of Police	Durwood Cook
AVP Facilities and Construction Projects	Mike Stout
Dean, John Massey School of Business	Rhonda Richards
Chair or Vice Chair of Academic Council	Kay Daigle
Faculty Senate Chair	Sondra Petty
Staff Senate Chair	Ami Carlton
Chief People Officer	Ty Anderson
Senior Executive Director for Student Development	Stephanie Davison
Director of Assessment	Kay Daigle
Director of Teacher Education	Stewart Mayers
Special Assistant to President for Compliance	Mike Davis
Executive Assistant to President/Business Affairs	Kelley Basatneh