DES MOINES, Iowa, March 31, 2021 — Mercy Health Sciences University officially announced its historic five-year strategic plan, Charting Our Course. The plan outlines significant initiatives for 2021-2026 and is designed to distinguish the College as an elite health sciences institution.
The foundation of the plan consists of four pillars: learning, caring, connecting, and thriving. Each pillar consists of multiple layers of comprehensive goals, strategies, and actions which act as an elaborate blueprint for the College to follow over the next five years.
The spark that created the four pillars came from the College’s Strategic Planning Committee’s recognition of the need for a bold new vision for Mercy Health Sciences University. The new vision will guide Mercy Health Sciences University to “become a locally and regionally recognized leader, transforming students into healthcare professionals who live out and extend our ministry of healing.”
Mercy Health Sciences University’s Strategic Planning Committee worked for 19 consecutive months to develop and refine Charting Our Course. Facilitation for the strategic planning process was provided by Dr. Sharon A. McDade, Practice Leader for Strategic Services & Senior Executive Leadership Consultant at Greenwood/Asher & Associates LLC.
On March 8, 2021, the Mercy Health Sciences University Board of Directors unanimously supported the work of the Committee and the new College vision.
“Mercy Health Sciences University will set the standard of healthcare education for the 21st century. We know the College will meet challenges and enjoy opportunities we cannot yet envision,”
stated Mercy Health Sciences University President.
“In a time of economic, demographic, technological, and political change and uncertainty, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we teach, learn, and minister to one another,” continued Mercy Health Sciences University President. “Our planning process and the pandemic has revealed that we must reinforce our commitment to equity and access to meet our students’ needs.”
Following the development of the plan, on March 31, 2021, Mercy Health Sciences University officially celebrated the launch of Charting Our Course. The celebration consisted of a live, virtual event hosted on campus and streamed to the campus community. Festivities included a graphic recorder’s live illustration of the plan, interactive polls for participants, and an in-depth overview of the plan.
About Mercy Health Sciences University
Mercy Health Sciences University is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Located in downtown Des Moines, Mercy Health Sciences University prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community with a wide range of bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. Mercy Health Sciences University’s liberal arts and sciences education develops compassionate caregivers and leaders. Visit www.mchs.edu or call (515) 643-3180 to learn more.
