Creating Futures — The 2026–2031 Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan outlines how Hawkeye Community College will move forward with purpose over the next five years. Built through collaboration, campus and community input, and a careful review of data and trends, the plan sets clear priorities and goals that guide decision-making and action. Together, these strategies support student success, strengthen operations, deepen community and business partnerships, and ensure the College remains responsive, innovative, and focused on its mission of serving learners and communities.
How the Strategic Plan Was Developed
The 2026–2031 Hawkeye Community College Strategic Plan is a five-year strategic plan developed by a steering committee comprised of Hawkeye Community College leadership and staff who convened throughout 2025.
The planning process was facilitated by the University of Northern Iowa's Institute for Decision Making.
The resulting plan is based on input gathered through two on-campus input sessions for faculty and staff, as well as online questionnaires targeting businesses, community service providers, non-credit students, and high school teachers and counselors.
Additionally, the committee studied data and trends in higher education, information specific to Hawkeye Community College, the results of a recent RISC Survey of students, and a PACE Climate Survey.
The planning process involved three planning sessions to provide the committee with time to reflect on the input and to identify strategic priorities, goals, and major initiatives for the coming years.
Strategic Priorities Guiding the Next Five Years
The steering committee identified four strategic priorities to guide Hawkeye Community College toward continued excellence and relevance in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. These priorities will shape the implementation of the strategic plan for the next five years. Overall, the strategic plan forms a cohesive strategy that empowers the College to deliver high-impact outcomes, foster a thriving campus culture, and remain agile in the face of change.
A Plan Focused on Students, Community, and Workforce Needs
The priorities reflect commitment to student success, operational strength, community and business engagement, and forward-thinking innovation. By pursuing the goals and major initiatives outlined in the plan, Hawkeye Community College embodies its mission and achieves its vision of improving the quality of life in the diverse communities it serves. Similarly, Hawkeye Community College addresses the unique needs of its learners, faculty, staff, and partners, while positioning the college as a leader in workforce development and educational access.