Cleary University’s Board of Trustees has officially approved the University’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, The Fourth Wave, establishing a clear roadmap for the institution’s continued growth, innovation, and long-term impact.
The three-year plan reflects more than two years of collaborative planning involving the Board of Trustees, university leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. It positions Cleary to build upon its nearly 150-year history while responding to the evolving needs of today’s students, employers, and workforce.
“The approval of The Fourth Wave represents an exciting milestone for Cleary University,” said President and CEO Dr. Alan Drimmer. “This strategic plan reflects our shared vision for the future and reinforces our commitment to providing an exceptional, career-focused education that prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By working together as one integrated university, we are building a stronger institution that will create greater opportunities for our students, our employees, and the communities we serve.”
At the heart of the plan is Cleary’s vision of One Integrated University—bringing together its vibrant residential campus in Howell with its expanding online and accelerated programs to create a unified institution that leverages the strengths of both learning environments. This “Fourth Wave” approach enables the University to expand its reach while reinvesting in the campus experience and maintaining its focus on student success.
The strategic plan establishes six key priorities that will guide the University’s work through 2028:
- Growing enrollment through innovative academic programs and expanded market reach.
- Strengthening the Cleary brand and increasing awareness of the University’s distinctive value.
- Enhancing the student experience through exceptional academic, athletic, and campus life opportunities.
- Improving operational excellence through technology, data-informed decision-making, and organizational effectiveness.
- Expanding community engagement and employer partnerships that strengthen workforce development.
- Ensuring long-term financial sustainability through disciplined growth and strategic investment.
The plan also reinforces The Cleary Mind™, the University’s signature educational framework that develops graduates with essential workplace competencies including critical thinking, communication, leadership, problem solving, ethics, creativity, persuasion, and entrepreneurship. These competencies remain foundational to every Cleary degree program and prepare graduates to lead in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
As part of the strategic vision, Cleary has established an ambitious 10-year “Moonshot” goal of serving 2,000 students by 2035, supported by disciplined execution and sustainable growth across both its residential and adult learning populations.
The approval of The Fourth Wave marks the beginning of the implementation phase, with University leadership regularly monitoring progress toward strategic goals and sharing updates with the campus community.
The complete Cleary University Strategic Plan 2025–2028: The Fourth Wave is available for download on the University’s website.
