DES MOINES, Iowa, March 31, 2021 — Mercy College of Health Sciences 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 College. The new vision will guide Mercy College to “become a locally and regionally recognized leader, transforming students into healthcare professionals who live out and extend our ministry of healing.”
Mercy College’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 College Board of Directors unanimously supported the work of the Committee and the new College vision.
“Mercy College of Health Sciences 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 College 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 College 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 College 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 College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Located in downtown Des Moines, Mercy College prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community with a wide range of bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. Mercy College’s liberal arts and sciences education develops compassionate caregivers and leaders. Visit www.mchs.edu or call (515) 643-3180 to learn more.
