The University of Washington Bothell introduced a new strategic plan at its annual Fall Kick Off for faculty and staff on Sept. 23, 2026.
The launch of the new plan, following extensive campus engagement during the 2025-26 academic year, marked an important transition from planning to implementation, said UW Bothell Chancellor Kristin G. Esterberg. “I look forward to stewarding this new strategic plan as I enter my second, five-year term as chancellor.”
The Strategic Plan 2027-2031 focuses on four priorities:
- Cultivating a thriving and engaged campus
- Elevating exceptional learning for all
- Learning for a complex world
- Advancing regional vitality
At the Fall Kick Off, staff and faculty had the opportunity to provide feedback. Many of the comments, Esterberg noted, affirmed the plan’s priorities and outcomes, highlighting potential approaches or tactics for advancing them.
“I was energized by the thoughtful conversations and grateful for the questions, ideas and perspectives that faculty and staff shared,” she said. “While there is more to come, these conversations were a stimulating way to begin the quarter and an opportunity for us to collectively begin to think about our roles and how we can achieve our goals together.”
Earlier this month, Esterberg also shared highlights of the strategic plan with the Bothell City Council in her annual “State of the University” address. She emphasized the relationship the city and other regional partners will play in the fourth priority, in particular. As outlined in the strategic plan, “advancing regional vitality” speaks to the University’s role as a trusted regional connector — a place where people come together to learn, exchange perspectives, identify priorities, create mutual value and develop solutions that advance the region.
The launch of UW Bothell’s strategic plan also comes on the heels of the University’s latest ranking as the No. 3 public university in the West — an achievement that “affirms our commitment to strengthening the broader region through a transformational education experience,” Esterberg said.
UW Bothell is also ranked the No. 1 regional university in the state. The success of the University goes hand in hand with the region, she added in her address. “When the University thrives, our community benefits. And when this city is a place where people want to live, work, raise families and build businesses, the University is stronger, too,” she said.
Other priorities, such as “Learning for a complex world,” are a strategic response and preparation to pressing challenges today — and in the future. Amidst ongoing concerns around economic development, public health, technology, housing and environmental sustainability, it’s vital that students receive an education that helps prepare them to navigate this difficult landscape.
“These challenges require people who can draw on different disciplines, consider differing perspectives and put knowledge into practice,” Esterberg said. “That is what we want our students to learn. And it is also how our University can contribute to solving real challenges in our region and beyond.”
The new strategic plan and updates about its implementation can be found on the new plan website.
