Forging the Future
In 2018, UAB introduced Forging the Future, a five-year strategic plan to define UAB's mission, vision, values and goals — and outline institutionwide strategies for achieving them. Download a PDF to read a full copy of the plan. Through this plan, UAB produced a new core curriculum, launched a Grand Challenge, reached record-breaking enrollment and research expenditures and unparalleled giving by donors and alumni. The spring 2023 edition of UAB Magazine chronicles the past 10 years of UAB's strategic growth. Each objective outlined in Forging the Future also included assigned tailored metrics to chart progress toward each goal. The dashboard below displays the information used to measure our improvement.
Vision, Mission & Shared Values
At UAB, we have never settled on merely finding what’s next—we have helped build the future through new ideas and initiatives in the classroom, the laboratory, the studio and the clinic. UAB’s vision, mission and shared values provide a foundation for the strategic plan, Forging the Future.
Click on the following three sections to view details.
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Vision
One university inspiring and empowering the creation of knowledge that changes the world.
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Mission
UAB serves students, patients, the community and the global need for discovery, knowledge dissemination, education, creativity and the application of groundbreaking solutions. We are a leader among comprehensive public urban research universities with academic medical centers.
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Shared Values
- Integrity – We act ethically and do what is right.
- Respect – We treat others with courtesy and civility.
- Diversity and inclusiveness – Everybody counts every day. We actively seek varied perspectives in our decision-making.
- Collaboration – We trust each other and work cooperatively across disciplinary boundaries in the spirit of shared governance.
- Excellence and achievement – We constantly innovate, solve problems and improve ourselves and others through learning.
- Stewardship – Fiscal and environmental sustainability guide our decisions.
- Accountability – We are answerable to each other and act with the best interests of the university in mind.
Our vision, mission and values provide a framework and common language for collaboration and strategic goals that will build on our strong foundation. We serve students and patients while recognizing that we are also embedded in a vibrant community.
Click on any metric to explore more specific information.
EDUCATION PILLAR
RESEARCH, INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PILLAR
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PILLAR
These groups provide representatives and input to the Strategic Council:
- Dean's Council
- President's Executive Cabinet
- Faculty Senate
- Staff Council
- Student Leadership (USGA, GSA)
- Athletics
- UAB Health System
- National Alumni Society
The Strategic Planning Council also sends reports to these groups.
The Strategic Planning Council produces a draft strategic plan document to the President/Provost.
The final strategic plan is produced.
Forging the Future, the UAB strategic plan for 2018-2023, was introduced to campus on Nov. 16 and 17 at town hall meetings hosted by the Strategic Planning Council co-chairs Pam Benoit, Ph.D., and Allen Bolton. The Nov. 16 event was streamed live and is available for viewing below. Ask questions or comment on the plan here.