NEWPORT NEWS — With a community-created Strategic Compass to guide the way, Christopher Newport University (CNU) said it is ready to achieve its goal of being the No. 1 regional public university in the U.S.
The university said the Strategic Compass, the result of months of work by hundreds of people, sets four priorities for the University and is headlined by the university’s new Vision Statement:
“Anchored in excellence and focused on students, CNU aspires to be the nation’s premier regional public university, offering an innovative education embedded in the liberal arts that advances the values of honor, service, scholarship, and leadership to empower graduates to lead lives of significance.”
The university’s Board of Visitors unanimously adopted a resolution on Feb. 7 that approved the Strategic Compass 2025-2030 and outlined the process that led to its creation.
President William G. Kelly said, “This is a historic day in the life of Christopher Newport University. Congratulations, and thank you to all who made it possible. Because of you, the future of this University we cherish is bright, and our direction is clear.”
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, the Board of Visitors and friends of the university developed the Compass over the course of 19 months, according to CNU, their work inspired by the university’s namesake, explorer Christopher Newport, who used a compass and other rudimentary navigational tool to cross the ocean and then establish the first English settlement in North America.
The CNU Compass comprises four priorities, followed by a cascading collection of goals and
objectives:
- Advance the Power and Promise of an Education Embedded in the Liberal Arts.
- Connect with Our Community.
- Create a Stronger Culture of Inclusion and Belonging.
- Build a Foundation to Thrive.
The Board of Visitors resolution concluded, “The President is authorized to take and direct all appropriate actions necessary to implement the Strategic Compass.”
In the weeks to come, after receiving feedback at campus town halls and through other avenues and in consultation with representatives of all parts of our community, President Kelly will name the leaders and teams responsible for following the Compass to achieve the Vision, the university said.
“Christopher Newport University’s Strategic Compass will ensure our sails are full and our
course is steady as we continue to serve the students of the Commonwealth and beyond,
preparing them to lead lives of significance,” he said.
