Strategic Plan

Innovation in Action. Impact Without Limits.

Powering the Future of Agriculture, Science, and Communities

The College of Agricultural Sciences stands at the forefront of discovery and application — the engine driving innovation for Pennsylvania agriculture and a catalyst for progress across the nation and the world.

Born as Pennsylvania's land-grant institution to educate the "children of toil," we remain the people's university — committed to opportunity, practical knowledge, and preparing citizens who strengthen democracy and build thriving communities. Today, that mission carries new urgency.

Our 2026-2031 Strategic Plan charts a bold course forward. Aligned with University priorities yet distinctly focused on our strengths, it defines how we will confront the most pressing challenges of our time — from food security and farm profitability, to animal and human health, to natural resource stewardship, and building economic vitality.

Grounded in our land-grant mission and driven by excellence, we will deliver measurable impact through transformational education, pioneering research, and science-based Extension that improves lives across the Commonwealth and far beyond.

A Strategic Roadmap for Impact

Over the next five years, we will direct our energy and investments where they matter most — where innovation accelerates opportunity, strengthens communities, and shapes the future.

Our strategy advances the five core priorities in the Penn State Strategic Plan:

• Elevating Student Success through immersive, hands-on learning; cutting-edge curricula; technology fluency; leadership development; and ethical decision-making that prepares graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world.
• Expanding (Inter)disciplinary Research Excellence to tackle complex global challenges with collaborative, high-impact solutions.
• Amplifying Land-Grant Impact by translating discovery into practice through Extension, partnerships, and community engagement.
• Broadening Access and Opportunity by building inclusive pathways into agriculture and related sciences for learners across Pennsylvania and beyond.
• Modernizing Our Operations to foster agility, collaboration, and responsible stewardship of resources.

Driving Innovation Through Strategic Focus

Our momentum is powered by eight cross-cutting themes that unite every department and discipline. These priorities focus our leadership and investment:

• Student Access, Success, and Career Readiness
• Technology for Agriculture and Living Systems (TALiS)
• Resilient Agricultural and Natural Resources Systems and Communities
• Productive One Health Systems
• Food and Fiber Systems as Engines for Economic Growth
• Penn State Extension, Commonwealth Connection and Land-Grant Impact
• Key Facility Initiatives: PlantWorks/Plant Innovation Complex; Regenerative Ag Research Center; Student Success Center
• Innovation, Entrepreneurship Leading to Impact

Together, these focus areas position the College as an innovation hub where discovery moves swiftly from lab to land, classroom to community, idea to enterprise.

Investing in the Future We Intend to Lead

Excellence tomorrow depends on decisive action today. This plan commits us to strategic investment, measurable outcomes, and accountable leadership — ensuring that our ambitions translate into lasting results.

Our vision is clear:

To be a global leader in solving the grand challenges of food, agriculture, natural resources, and thriving communities.

With bold ideas, disciplined execution, and an unwavering commitment to public impact, the College of Agricultural Sciences will continue to fuel innovation, strengthen Pennsylvania's agricultural economy, and expand its influence across the nation and around the globe.

The future of agriculture is being shaped now.

And we are leading the way.