Skip to main content
Capital Rising

Rooted in Legacy.
Thriving into our Third Century.

Strategic Plan 2026 – 2031
5
Strategic pillars
24
Goals across the plan
2026
Plan launched
2030
Bicentennial milestone
From the Co-Chairs

A message from those who led the way.

“Capital Rising is more than a plan — it is a shared commitment to one another and to the students who trust us with their futures. This is our moment to rise together.”

Lisa Diem Co-Chair, Capital Rising — Asst. Dean & Chief Operations Officer, Capital Law School

“This plan reflects the voices of our entire community. Every goal, every pillar was shaped by the people who live and work this mission every day. That is what makes it real.”

Justin Breidenbach Co-Chair, Capital Rising — Dean & Asst. Professor of Accounting, School of Management and Leadership
Plan progress

Tracking our commitments.

Capital Rising is managed and tracked in Envisio — our strategic plan management platform. Goal champions across the university update progress in real time, so you’re always seeing current status across all 25 goals and five pillars.

Open full dashboard Opens in Envisio →

Latest updates

All updates →
Plan launch
Strategic Planning Listening Sessions
December 2025

As part of Capital University’s ongoing strategic planning process, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee hosted a series of listening sessions designed to gather additional insight from colleagues across our campuses.

Read more →
Survey Results
Strategic Planning Survey Summary
April 2, 2026

Engagement continues from the campus community on the University’s Strategic Planning process and for completing the most recent survey about the progress we’ve made so far on the plan. We want to share a brief summary of the survey results with you.

Read more →
Annual updates
Annual Priorities Update Report — 2025–2026
June 1, 2026

As we conclude the 2025–2026 academic year, we are proud to share our Annual Priorities Update Report, offering a transparent, institution-wide accounting of the work undertaken across all 38 institutional priorities identified in our Annual Plan.

Read more →
With Gratitude

Strategic Plan Steering Committee

Capital Rising was shaped by the dedication and expertise of colleagues from across the University who gave their time, perspective, and energy to this work.

Dr. Baiju Markose Asst. Professor, Academic Dean — Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University
Elli Cucksey Librarian — Hamma Library
Ian Kellogg Director, Track & Cross Country
Dr. Tom Zugger Dean, Conservatory
Derrick Antwi Asst. VP of Business and Finance
Rachel Janutis, Esq. Professor of Law
Jake Wuensch Director of Graduate Admissions
Dr. Mary Beth Bertrand Associate Provost, Strategic Initiatives
Benjy Pester Chair & Asst. Professor, Health Sciences
Dr. Sergey Rybas Chair & Associate Professor, English
Mary Cannon Director of Financial Aid
Amy Duerr Director of Alumni Relations
Dr. Michael Lewis Associate Dean, Counseling Education
Katie Lease Director of Career Development
Jenn Folden Director of Marketing