Ashleigh R. Andrews

The Strategic Compass for Christopher Newport University outlines the university's future direction from 2025 to 2030, aspiring to be the nation's premier regional public university. It focuses on four key pillars: advancing liberal arts education, connecting with the community, fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, and building a robust foundation to thrive. This plan aims to empower graduates to lead lives of significance through an innovative education embedded in liberal arts, emphasizing honor, service, scholarship, and leadership.

This document outlines Christopher Newport University's strategic direction, referred to as the 'Strategic Compass,' which guides the institution towards 2030. The university's vision is anchored in excellence and a commitment to students, aspiring to be the number one Regional Public University in America, deeply rooted in the liberal arts, and upheld by core values of honor, service, scholarship, and leadership. The plan is structured around four key compass points: advancing the liberal arts, strengthening community connections, fostering a culture of inclusion, and building institutional sustainability in enrollment, finance, and environmental practices. The overarching aim is to empower graduates to live a life of significance.

The Board of Visitors convened to discuss various university matters. Key topics included President Kelly's report, highlighting the 100th Commencement, improved academic indicators, facilities updates, athletic achievements, and advancements in alumni engagement and academic affairs. The Education Foundation reported on its structure, financial standing, and alignment with the university's strategic goals. Reports were also given by the Faculty Senate, Alumni Society, and Student Government Association. The Executive Committee discussed updates on the Shoe Lane Task Force and revised Bylaws. The Operations, Audit and Risk Committee reviewed the draft financial audit report and discussed IT modernization and campus safety. The Finance and Facilities Committee reported on the FY2026 operating budget, tuition increases, salary increases, and capital projects. The board also entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters and legal advice, followed by the approval of a resolution affirming the university's commitment to inclusion and belonging.

The Board of Visitors meeting included reports from the President, the Education Foundation, the Faculty Senate, the Alumni Society, and the Student Government Association. Discussions covered topics such as the university's 100th Commencement, improvements in academic indicators, facilities updates, athletic achievements, alumni engagement, and external funding. The Executive Committee shared updates on the Shoe Lane Task Force and Strategic Compass. The Operations, Audit and Risk Committee reviewed the draft financial audit report and discussed internal controls, IT risk management, and campus safety. The Finance and Facilities Committee reported on the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. The Board also entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters and legal advice before approving a resolution affirming Christopher Newport's commitment to inclusion and belonging.

The Board of Visitors convened a full board meeting to conduct the annual performance evaluation of the President. The meeting included a closed session for the President's Annual Performance Review, followed by a return to open session where all board members certified that only public matters identified in the motion were discussed.