Strategic Plans & Initiatives

Shaping the Evolution Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030

Sixty years ago, Lakehead University committed to transforming our regions and communities through access to exceptional education closer to home. Today, we are a place of progress and curiosity, where learning and research break down barriers, drive innovation, and create space for local solutions to complex challenges that can make a significant difference in the world.

The new 2025-2030 strategic plan builds on six decades of momentum to shape the next chapter of Lakehead University — a chapter of evolution.

Informed by many voices, this plan positions us as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, the exchange of ideas, collaboration and innovation, and community development across northwestern and central Ontario. Shaping the EvoLUtion outlines new opportunities to advance student success, research and scholarship, societal impact, and community engagement.

People — their learning, success, and well-being — are at the heart of this strategic plan, guiding us in meeting the needs of the communities we serve now and into the future. Together, we will continue to evolve what has made Lakehead University a special place for so many.

Download the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan

Message from the Board Chair and the President and Vice-Chancellor
Read the Strategic Plan

The Engagement Process

The new five-year strategic plan is the result of collaboration between the Board of Governors and senior leadership, with extensive consultation with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and business and industry partners.

Over the last 12 months, 1,200 internal and external stakeholders were consulted on the key themes of the strategic plan through facilitated sessions, an online survey, and a dedicated email address where feedback could be provided. Through this engagement, stakeholders shared their vision for Lakehead’s future and the role the university will play in shaping the exchange of ideas in a changing world.

We are grateful for every community member who shared ideas, responded thoughtfully to surveys, and participated in town hall meetings, workshops, and forums. Thank you for playing a role in shaping our future.

Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor

“As we look ahead and plan for Lakehead’s future, we are guided by the voices of our university community–voices that reflect a deep commitment to our institution, our regions, and the transformative power of education.”

Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor

Our Priorities

Strategic Plan Priorities WheelGrounded in values of integrity, community, belonging, curiosity and reconciliation, five interrelated and interconnected priorities form the foundation of this five-year plan. Woven throughout these priorities are commitments to academic and research excellence, place, advancing Truth and Reconciliation, partnerships and the co-creation of solutions, and internationalization.

Priority #1 - Expanding Student Opportunity and Success

Expand the number of individuals who pursue and attain a university qualification in the regions Lakehead serves.

Objectives

  1. Widen university participation and degree attainment at all levels of study while maintaining exemplary academic standards
  2. Deliver high-quality programming with new ways to learn, making sure there’s a good mix of online and in-person options for students
  3. Provide a personalized student experience to help more students succeed at university throughout their educational journey
  4. Establish Lakehead as a regional education centre for Indigenous learners in Northern Ontario

 

Priority #2 - Sustainable Economic and Community Development and Entrepreneurship

Maximize Lakehead’s positive regional economic and community impact.

Objectives

  1. Propel regional economic transformation through people, place, innovation, and civic engagement
  2. Develop a skilled talent supply to support industry growth in Northern Ontario and Simcoe County
  3. Advance regional economic development in partnership with Indigenous groups
  4. Develop university-led entrepreneurial ecosystems tailored to local needs
Priority #3 - Advancing our Societal Impact

Advance solutions to grand challenges affecting society through quality research and scholarly activity.

Objectives

  1. Continue to lead Lakehead’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts in post-secondary education through partnerships with Indigenous communities
  2. Position Lakehead as a local and global leader in sustainability, climate leadership, social justice, and Indigenous education
  3. Co-create solutions to grand societal challenges through innovative, integrated partnerships
  4. Continue to be a trusted source of quality research and scholarly activity
Priority #4 - People and Culture

Establish Lakehead as a top employer.

Objectives

  1. Realize a positive, aligned and purpose-driven Lakehead culture across all campuses
  2. Establish Lakehead as a recognized employer of choice in the regions served by the university
  3. Make meaningful progress towards decolonization and Indigenization of the institution
Priority #5 - Financial Sustainability

Ensure Lakehead’s long-term financial sustainability.

Objectives

  1. Sustain the financial health of the university
  2. Achieve operational efficiencies through integrated planning, strategic decision making and digital transformation
  3. Advance the development of a strengthened model for universities in Northern Ontario