Annual Priorities Update Report — 2025–2026
“Even amid human and financial constraints, Capital is moving forward — guided by mission, strengthened by purpose, and inspired by the people who make up the CapFam.” — President Jared R. Tice, Ed.D.
As Capital University concludes the 2025–2026 academic year, this Annual Priorities Update Report provides a transparent, institution-wide accounting of progress made across all 38 priorities identified in the Annual Plan. Developed in partnership with University Leadership and Cabinet, the report connects the year’s work directly to the launch of Capital Rising — the University’s new five-year strategic plan.
A year defined by ambition and execution
The 2025–2026 academic year was marked by both significant institutional progress and the formal launch of a new strategic direction. Capital completed a comprehensive, community-wide strategic planning process; conducted four successful Cabinet-level leadership searches; advanced an institution-wide compensation study; and delivered an Inauguration Week that generated more than 79 million media impressions. Enrollment pipelines were strengthened, community partnerships deepened, and measurable progress toward financial sustainability was made through disciplined fiscal management.
At a glance
Highlights across the five pillars
Purpose — The Capital Rising strategic plan moved from formation to full implementation, with the plan, its initiatives, and associated metrics prepared for Board adoption. The University’s value proposition was sharpened through the Capital Rising visual identity and a series of Capital Stories highlighting student, faculty, staff, and alumni impact. Strategic enrollment advanced through expanded pipelines, predictive modeling, and new transfer partnerships.
People — Four Cabinet-level searches concluded successfully, bringing new leadership to the Provost, VP for Strategic Enrollment and Marketing, Law School Dean, and VP for Student Experience roles. An institution-wide compensation and benefits study is underway, with results expected in summer 2026. Shared governance was strengthened through Town Halls, Board engagement, and expanded Cabinet participation.
Pursuits — Capital launched the MSW and redesigned MBA, expanded Esports under a national-title-winning director, established the Pep Band, and earned multiple Colleges of Distinction recognitions. Career Development completed its staffing transition and delivered 40 classroom presentations reaching nearly 500 students. Ninety-seven percent of seniors reported engagement in at least one high-impact practice.
Place — Architecture firm BHDP was selected through a competitive process to lead a comprehensive campus plan, with community input underway and Board approval targeted for October 2026. Network and Wi-Fi upgrades were completed, a new CIO was installed, and the Capital Rising microsite with a live Envisio dashboard is in development.
Resources — The Financial Sustainability Plan was developed and presented to the Board, and Advancement made strong progress through micro-campaigns, the Close the Gap scholarship, and preparation for a comprehensive campaign feasibility engagement. The Day of Giving was executed successfully and annual giving programs were strengthened across multiple channels.
Read the full report
The complete Annual Priorities Update Report includes President Tice’s executive summary, an at-a-glance status snapshot of all 38 priorities, and detailed progress reports for each initiative — including next steps for the year ahead.