University of Leicester sets strategy to launch into its second Century
The University of Leicester has today (Thursday) launched a new 10-year strategy that will propel the institution into its second Century – and it comes with a new mission and vision that champion its Citizens and cultivates a legacy of real-world change.
The new strategy was first announced at President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah’s inaugural lecture in January 2020. Since then consultations with staff, students, alumni and supporters helped to shape the strategy, called Citizens of Change: Our Second Century.
The strategy was launched at an event open to all University staff. Professor Canagarajah paid homage to the University’s 100-year history, its legacy of ground-breaking discoveries and the life-changing impact they’ve had on communities around the world, before shifting the focus to the next century.
Professor Canagarajah said: “Our commitment to levelling-up the academic playing field is demonstrated by our work to tackle the awarding gap, while the Government’s levelling-up agenda is being addressed through a tranche of activity, including the development of Space Park Leicester.
“Our inclusion mission is exemplified by the establishment of our Leicester Institute for Inclusivity in Higher Education. This institute will become the flagship leader in transformational higher education with research intended to guide and inform best practice across the sector.
“This University will deliver upon its ambitions as a leading research-intensive university. We will enhance our world-class expertise and be global leaders in all relevant fields of academic endeavour.
“We are committed to being a University for inclusion and, in doing so, honouring our motto, something we have bought to life even more so in our Centenary year, so that the transformative power of education can change the world for the better.”
Gary Dixon, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council at the University of Leicester, said: “No organisation can survive by standing still and, to advance, it needs to demonstrate adaptability.
“Leicester has proved time and again that its Citizens of Change are up to the challenges we face, and I am convinced that this strategy offers the best opportunity for the University to advance in the future.”
Citizens of Change: Our Second Century
The University’s new mission and vision sum up its ambition for the next 10 years:
Mission: Diverse in our make-up and united in our ambition we change lives through education and research.
Vision: We will provide inspiring education and research working in partnership with our communities to become a truly inclusive University.
At the heart of the strategy, lies the University’s three new values:
Inclusive: We are diverse in our makeup and united in ambition. Our Diversity is our strength and makes our community stronger.
Inspiring: We are passionate about inspiring individuals to succeed and realise their ambitions. We challenge our community to think differently, to get involved, and to constantly embrace new ideas.
Impactful: As Citizens of Change we will generate new ideas which deliver impact and empower our community.
The Strategy’s three strategic themes set the University’s focus for the next decade:
Research-inspired Education: We will provide an inspirational and fulfilling education for all, in an empowering, supportive and exciting learning environment.
World-changing Research: We will create an inclusive and enabling research environment, delivering world-leading research that transforms lives.
Our Citizens: We will value, nurture and celebrate our people and relationships, ensuring they are inclusive, impactful, sustainable, and influence positive change in our world.
For more information about the University’s new strategy, visit le.ac.uk/strategy.