Bridging People, Innovation and Possibility to Achieve Collective Impact
Inspired by Pittsburgh's iconic bridges — structures that connect, enable movement, and carry the weight of progress — the Swanson School of Engineering is building pathways across people, innovation, and possibility to achieve collective impact. This strategic plan charts an ambitious course through four interdependent pillars, aligning our strengths in research, education, and partnership to prepare exceptional engineers, advance discovery, and create lasting societal impact.
Mission
Centered in Pittsburgh – an urban nexus of higher learning, medicine, industry, and community – the Swanson School of Engineering cultivates individual and collective excellence, activating talent, accelerating discovery, and connecting people and ideas for technological and societal impact with purpose.
Vision
We will define engineering by bridging ingenuity, education, research, and collaboration – forging pathways for curiosity, humanity, and leadership to address current and future challenges.
1. Champion Student Success
The Swanson School will reaffirm its commitment to a student-centered and inclusive learning community focused on preparing the next generation of engineers to lead innovation, strengthen regional economic vitality, and contribute meaningfully to the global engineering community. Priorities include:
-
Grow the Engineering Community Through Innovation and Access
Expand and strengthen the engineering pipeline from pre-college through graduate study by modernizing academic pathways, reducing barriers at key transition points, and aligning programs with evolving workforce needs.
1.1.1 Offer flexible learning opportunities that prepare students for evolving career demands
1.1.2 Build an integrated engineering pathway to promote persistence and retention
1.1.3 Create and scale a signature transfer program to open clear, affordable pathways
1.1.4 Strengthen research-focused graduate student recruitment -
Elevate Student Success Through Integrated Support
Build a coordinated support ecosystem — advising, mentoring, experiential learning, and instructional excellence — that ensures every student is supported, challenged, and prepared to thrive.
1.2.1 Ensure coordinated support for student success and development
1.2.2 Engage every student in high-impact experiential learning experiences
1.2.3 Support excellent teaching in the changing educational landscape -
Leverage Partnerships for Career Success and Leadership Impact
Harness alumni, industry, and community partnerships to create coordinated career readiness pathways and develop leadership capacity in every student from first year through early career.
1.3.1 Engage alumni and industry to develop robust and responsive career readiness pathways
1.3.2 Develop leadership capacity in every student
2. Ignite Research and Innovation
Drawing on the powerful work of our existing researchers and Pittsburgh's nexus of energy, technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability, this pillar aims to bolster the potential of our people, draw fresh perspectives and partners, and take on the grand challenges of our time. Through this, the Swanson School will increase its reputation and become a known leader in interdisciplinary problem-solving. Priorities include:
-
Foster a Culture that Leads to Large-Scale, Externally-Funded Research
Organize and scale collaborative research strengths in energy, health, sustainability, and advanced technologies to compete for transformative, large-scale initiatives that address society's grand challenges.
2.1.1 Pioneer a national flagship for energy solutions
2.1.2 Build and solidify collaborative research across core areas of distinction
2.1.3 Drive bold, high-reward research endeavors -
Establish a Robust Research Operation to Catalyze and Support Innovation and Collaboration
Build the operational infrastructure — coordinated staffing, shared facilities, and streamlined processes — that enables faculty to pursue ambitious, interdisciplinary research at scale.
2.2.1 Strengthen transparency, safety and collaboration across the research enterprise
2.2.2 Align efforts and increase coordination of research administration staff
2.2.3 Deliver a school-wide strategic research infrastructure plan -
Encourage a Climate of Applied Research and Innovation
Broaden participation in translational research, commercialization, and entrepreneurship to move engineering discoveries from the lab to real-world societal, technological, and economic impact.
2.3.1 Build a resilient research portfolio for agility and impact
2.3.2 Advance applied research through integrated partnerships
2.3.3 Enable and incentivize entrepreneurial and commercialization activity across engineering
3. Spearhead Sustained Partner Engagement
This pillar seeks to propel the Swanson School into a more visible, engaged regional anchor institution that actively connects with and serves our broader community. By creating clear pathways for industry, philanthropic, public sector, and community partner engagement; strategically communicating our excellence and impact to elevate our reputation; and cultivating a globally connected alumni network, we will strengthen our research and education and amplify the positive impact of these efforts. Priorities include:
-
Engage more Deeply with Pitt's Local and Surrounding Communities
Strengthen the Swanson School's role as a regional anchor institution by building meaningful community partnerships and creating clear, streamlined pathways for industry, government, and community partners to engage with our talent, research, and facilities.
3.1.1 Foster meaningful connections between the Swanson School and our local community
3.1.2 Advance new model of corporate and foundation partnerships -
Build a Culture of Commitment and Support Among Alumni
Deepen lifelong alumni engagement to build a connected community that advances student success through mentorship, strengthens philanthropic support, and amplifies the Swanson School's impact and reputation.
3.2.1 Expand and energize our alumni community to advance school and student success
3.2.2 Engage alumni early and throughout their careers -
Showcase our Excellence and Expand our Reach
Develop a cohesive narrative and coordinated communications infrastructure to close the gap between the Swanson School's actual impact and public awareness, elevating reputation and fulfilling our responsibility to make our work visible and accessible.
3.3.1 Amplify the Swanson School’s Public Presence
3.3.2 Enhance Internal Communications Infrastructure and Departmental Marketing Capacity
Related Content
The Swanson School of Engineering celebrates seven alumni at its Distinguished Alumni Banquet
Pitt Alumna Becca Segel, CEO and Founder of FlowCellutions, Named to 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30
INSITES, a New Pitt Industry Consortium, Gains Momentum
Pitt Alumnus Robert Colwell Reflects on People and Lessons Essential to His Success
4. Mobilize Collective Excellence
Sustained excellence depends upon how individuals are supported, connected, and empowered to contribute their best work. This pillar focuses on creating an environment where people are and feel valued, engaged, and connected to a shared sense of purpose – and where leadership skills are cultivated for each individual with a shared understanding of collective responsibility. By investing in growth, recognition, and the systems that enable people to thrive, the School strengthens its culture, builds trust, and increases its capacity for long-term impact. Priorities include:
-
Cultivate Leadership and Excellence Among Faculty and Staff
Develop and promote leadership models and programs that support and elevate leadership at every level. A focus on the development of leadership skills throughout the community ensures continuity, resilience and ability to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities.
4.1.1 Strengthen leadership mindset and professional development
4.1.2 Encourage and enable external recognition of excellence -
Create a Culture of Purpose, Connection, and Belonging
Cultivating a community with a welcoming and engaged culture, the Swanson School of Engineering can strengthen collaboration, enhance satisfaction, and improve retention.
4.2.1 Strengthen onboarding, mentoring, and peer-support programs
4.2.2 Improve faculty and staff satisfaction, sense of community, and retention
4.2.3 Recognize and celebrate accomplishments in our community -
Improve Coordination, Consistency, and Accountability in Operations and Decision-Making
Align processes, strengthen governance, and share best practices across departments to reduce friction, build trust, and create an operational foundation that supports sustainable growth.
4.3.1 Improve efficiency through shared best practices and aligned processes
4.3.2 Strengthen accountability and governance for sustainable impact
