In September 2010, the Kansas Board of Regents approved a 10-year strategic agenda for the state’s public higher education system. Entitled Foresight 2020, the plan sets long-range achievement goals that are measurable, reportable, and ensures the state’s higher education system meets Kansans’ expectations.

“Foresight 2020 represents three years of thoughtful examination, dialogue, and input from the state’s public colleges and universities, fellow Regents, and staff,” said Regent Gary Sherrer of Overland Park, Chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents. “This plan will ensure, through measurable and aspirational goals, that the quality of the state’s public higher education system is significantly enhanced.”

Foresight 2020 includes six strategic goals:

1. Achieve alignment between the state’s preK-12 and higher education systems and continue to enhance alignment between higher education institutions.
2. Achieve participation in the state’s higher education system that better reflects the state’s demography and more fully engages adult learners.
3. Achieve measureable improvement in persistence (retention) and completion (graduation) rates for higher education institutions across the state.
4. Ensure that students earning credentials and degrees across the higher education system possess the foundational skills essential for success in work and in life.
5. Enhance alignment between the work of the state’s higher education system and the needs of the Kansas economy.
6. Enhance the regional and national reputation of Kansas universities through aspirational initiatives.

“The goals of Foresight 2020 are ambitious, achievable, and absolutely necessary,” said Sherrer. “Public higher education is a critical asset to Kansans, is key to economic success, and is essential for securing the best possible future for our citizens and our state. By working to accomplish these goals, we will demonstrate the value our colleges and universities provide, while improving the quality and efficiency of our system.”