SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Summit League and its member institutions unveiled a new Strategic Plan, titled "On the Rise", Commissioner Josh Fenton announced Wednesday. The plan outlines a new Mission, Vision, Value Statements, Guiding Principles, Strategic Priorities, and Goals. The framework is anchored in the League's commitment to student-athlete experiences through academic achievement, broad-based opportunities, and holistic personal development.

"The Presidents of Summit League institutions are excited about our fresh mission statement and new strategic plan," Summit League Presidents' Council Chair and Oral Roberts President, Dr. William (Billy) Wilson said. "With collegiate athletics presently facing significant challenges across the nation, this bold plan positions the Summit League to move aggressively into the future as a premier Division I conference. Each of our member institutions are delighted to reaffirm our commitment for providing exceptional experiences to our student athletes in an environment of utmost integrity."

With assistance from College Sports Solutions (CSS), the Summit League has engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process for the past year culminating in a plan that will position the League for the future of Division I athletics.

A Strategic Planning Advisory Committee comprised of constituents from member institutions provided valuable contributions to the plan's creation. Broad feedback and input were also gathered from university and athletics leaders along with student-athletes across the membership. The contributions of many led to the creation of five overarching strategic priorities that will guide the League into the future:

1) Enrich Student-Athlete Opportunity and Experience
2) Elevate League Competitive Excellence
3) Grow Engagement and Activation of League Diversity, Equity and Belonging
4) Build The League Brand
5) Enhance Membership Value

"College sports is at a critical conjuncture. It is important for NCAA conferences and member institutions to create a model that is aligned with the educational missions of our campuses, focused on the experiences and well-being of our student-athletes, and sustainable to allow for broad-based and equitable opportunities," Fenton said. "We are excited to release a new strategic plan with components grounded in these ideals to build a strong Summit League in Division I for years to come."
 
Beyond the released public facing document, an internal tracking and accountability document will be used to manage the progress on various steps taken toward each goal's completion. The League will engage the membership regularly, including through student-athlete leaders and head coaches across all sports, to evaluate and adjust the plan's progress as necessary.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE SUMMIT LEAGUE'S ON THE RISE STRATEGIC PLAN?
Matt Larsen, North Dakota State University Director of Athletics (Summit League Joint Council Chair)
"This strategic plan is the result of an inclusive process across all Summit League members and is reflective of our collective institutional values. The plan is structured to help our League navigate the changing landscape of Division I Athletics while remaining committed to our academic mission. I look forward to working with the League office and campus administrations in positioning the Summit League for success in the new era of college athletics."

Jessica Messersmith, University of South Dakota Faculty Athletics Representative
"The Summit League Strategic Plan reflects a forward-thinking agenda that will position the Summit League for success now and into the future. The plan is responsive to the changes that have occurred in the NCAA over the past several years. It places student-athletes' holistic well-being at the forefront of priorities and capitalizes on the strengths of the Summit League and its member institutions."

Phil Esten, University of St. Thomas Vice President and Director of Athletics
"As the landscape of college athletics continues to shift, athletic departments and conferences need to be forward thinking, and the Summit League is doing just that with this strategic plan. We all need to be dynamic and nimble within our markets, allowing a build of resources to support a keen focus on the core student-athlete experience. The goal of the League has always been to provide outstanding experiences to our student-athletes, and I believe this plan advances that in a contemporary way while positioning the Summit League to best serve our members and their communities."

Ursula Gurney, University of Missouri-Kansas City Senior Woman Administrator and Deputy Director of Athletics
"The Summit League is poised for continued elevation as the conference is set to launch its next strategic plan. There is a strong focus in the new plan on the student-athlete experience, in particular in the areas of academics, championship and holistic development. The Summit League is on a solid trajectory in all sports under the leadership of Commissioner Josh Fenton."

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Co-Presidents Keegan Van Pelt (Omaha Women's Tennis) and Olivia Tagart (South Dakota State Swimming & Diving)
"On behalf of the Summit League SAAC, we want to thank the League office for allowing us to be part of the strategic planning process. Despite the ever-changing world of college athletics, we appreciate that the Summit League remains committed to prioritizing the holistic well-being of all student-athletes and providing exceptional student-athlete experiences, on and off the playing field. Moving forward, we are excited to play a more active role in League governance and to share the student-athlete perspective to help all of us obtain the goals outlined in this plan."

Jeff Schemmel, Collegiate Sports Solutions Founder and President
"It was a privilege and an honor for our team to work with the Summit League staff and its membership on this new strategic plan. The future success of the League is in good hands with the leadership that is in place and member institutions that have similar philosophies, are dedicated to athletic success, and most importantly committed unconditionally to the preparation of student-athletes for their futures.  I'm excited to help the plan come together and achieve these strategic goals in the midst of our changing Division I landscape."

ABOUT THE SUMMIT LEAGUE
Headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., The Summit League is embarking on its 42nd year at the NCAA Division I level and offers 19 championship sports. The League's nine institutions have a combined enrollment of nearly 100,000 and include five located in top 60 U.S. metropolitan populations and two land-grant universities. Full-time member institutions are the University of Denver, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, University of Nebraska Omaha, Oral Roberts University, University of St. Thomas, University of South Dakota, and South Dakota State University.

#REACHTHESUMMIT | #ONTHERISE