At nearly 175 years old, Coe College continues to lean into the future as it implements a new strategic framework
As Coe College closes in on 175 years in existence in 2026, it remains as forward-thinking as when it was founded. A visionary strategic framework is ensuring Coe continues to lean into its values with a strategy that secures decades more of impact. With early steps of the framework already in place, Coe College President David Hayes ’93 has embarked on a presidential tour to visit with alumni and friends of the college across the country to discuss the direction and gather feedback.
The framework, titled “Progress with Purpose,” comes at a pivotal moment across higher education as the pressures placed on colleges and universities continue to increase. Progress with Purpose confirms Coe’s commitment to the future and outlines the initiatives needed to continue to deliver a distinctive and transformative experience to today’s college students.
The development of the framework took planning and reflection first in order to produce a plan that provides clarity, alignment and focus.
“A well-framed strategy serves as both an anchor and a compass,” said Hayes. “It respects the past, grounds us in our mission and values and is guiding us toward a preferred future.”
The values representing the heart of Coe within the framework are: inquiry and discovery, excellence, respect, collaboration and impact, innovation and adaptability.
Initiatives that reflect these values are already well underway as Coe has begun to execute the plan on the heels of nearly $8 million in fundraising last year and with the support of multiple financial commitments to launch critical areas of Progress with Purpose. The college is firmly positioned for a future that’s relevant to the needs of its students and the needs of businesses and industries.
“Coe is creating a wave of momentum right now as we purposefully embrace change,” said Senior Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Institutional Effectiveness Julie Staker ’93. “What we’re doing is forward thinking and will ensure Kohawks are prepared with the education and skills that are sought-after now and in the future. We want each one of our students to launch prosperous careers and lead lives of purpose.”
In the past two years, Coe has created purposeful momentum by adding:
- An aviation management & flight operations concentration, which includes flight training for future pilots. There is an estimated 17,000 pilot gap due in part to age-mandated retirements.
- An engineering physics major that builds the foundation for any engineering profession — an industry which expects to have 100,000+ openings across all occupations.
- New multimedia graphic design, media production and non-profit arts and creative leadership concentrations in the art department designed to align with industry needs.
- A risk management/insurance concentration which is one of just a few among small, private colleges across the country. Positions related to risk management and insurance are growing by nearly 50,000 positions annually.
- A 100% online business administration degree with a strategic leadership concentration, implemented for working adults.
- A partnership with Google to bring the most advanced AI tools and AI certifications directly to the campus community.
“The decisions to implement these programs have allowed Coe to lean forward into the future, and this type of collective change takes effort. I’d like to acknowledge and thank our faculty for their contributions in growing Coe’s academic footprint for the future,” said Coe College Provost Angela Ziskowski.
Utilizing Progress with Purpose guidelines will continue to keep Coe steps ahead of workforce needs as the next 175 years unfold. The presidential tour began with stops in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. During the Cedar Rapids event, Hayes, Board Chair Hank Taylor ’75 and past president of the Coe College Alumni Council Lauren Gilbertson ’13 hosted a large gathering of alumni, trustees and community leaders to share the strategic plan and celebrate the momentum of Coe.
Upcoming forums in Dallas, Milwaukee, Chicago, Denver, Washington, D.C. and the Twin Cities will create opportunities for national alumni to engage with the initiative before the end of July.
The full Progress with Purpose strategic framework can be read online at: www.coe.edu/why-coe/progress-purpose