The ordering of the themes is intentional. Beginning with a focus on people then moving to themes focused on excellence, “concentrating on strengths, differentiators and areas of societal need” and finally concluding with “themes required for sustainability, effectiveness and excellence in the future,” according to the plan's website.

The plan development began on Jan. 6, 2020, and involved co-chairs Vennie Gore and Joseph Salem and an 18-person committee comprising administrators, faculty, staff and students.

“MSU 2030 sets a vision for our future and provides a practical guide for our plans and actions going forward. Among its greatest strengths is its grounding in shared values, clearly articulated," Gore said on the plan's website.

The Strategic Planning and Steering Committee, or SPSC, was tasked with examining the current state of MSU to identify opportunities for growth across campus as well as exploring the changing landscape of higher education in the 21st century.

In a promotional video, President Stanley said the strategic plan will increase graduation rates and eliminate opportunity gaps. It also plans to include DEI to "ensure a culture of care, safety and respect."

Specifically, by 2030, MSU aims to provide an educational experience that prepares students for postgraduate success with no opportunity gaps, support the career development and wellbeing of staff, faculty and postdoctoral research associates, become a leader in developing solutions to global challenges, use research findings to improve health and the systems that affect health, engage in land stewardship to further the sustainability of MSU and eliminate race and ethnicity opportunity gaps across all subgroups of students. 

“By 2030, we envision a Michigan State University that has significantly expanded opportunity and advanced equity, elevated its excellence in ways that attract vital talent and support, and has a vibrant, caring community,” the plan website said.