Institutional Facts, Mission, Values, Strategic Plan

Institutional Facts

East Stroudsburg University is a comprehensive university in northeastern Pennsylvania offering 49 undergraduate programs, 20 master's programs, 2 doctoral programs and is one of the 10 universities and 14 campuses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

The university's campus, in the heart of the Pocono Mountains and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, is located less than two hours away from both New York City and Philadelphia. With an enrollment of over 5,884, ESU's student body is made up of students from 26 states and 29 countries, the majority of ESU undergraduate students are from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and approximately 45.7% reside on campus.

The highest enrolled academic programs are Business Management, Psychology, Exercise Science, Biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing. Ninety-two percent of the university's full-time permanent instructional faculty members hold terminal degrees possible in their academic fields.

ESU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Strategic Plan

After more than a year in the making, I am pleased to share East Stroudsburg University’s 2025‐2028 Strategic Plan, ESU: Creating Opportunities through Community, Engagement, & Belonging. This plan embodies our collective dedication to our students, faculty, staff, and community, and stands as a testament to the resilience and perseverance that have characterized ESU in recent years. As we navigate a post‐pandemic world and build on the legacy of former President Marcia Welsh’s leadership, this strategic plan serves as a blueprint for our future, designed to create lasting opportunities for all members of our university community.

Our previous strategic plan, Students First: Empowering Innovation through Collaboration 2017‐2020, laid the groundwork for significant advancements in academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration. However, ESU, higher education, and frankly the world have significantly changed since that time. The COVID‐19 pandemic has challenged us to rethink how we deliver education and support our students, while also highlighting the importance of belonging, community, and technological advancement in a modern learning environment. With these lessons in mind, our new strategic plan focuses on four key areas that will drive ESU forward.

First, we will develop a Culture of Student Success by continuing to place students at the center of all we do. This means providing the tools, support, and opportunities for academic achievement, personal growth, and lifelong success. Our focus will be on enhancing student engagement, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive in a competitive and evolving world.

Second, we are committed to Fostering a Community of Belonging, where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. “Where Warriors Belong” is not just an aspirational slogan at ESU—it embodies the characteristic that defines our community and is the foundation of the educational experience we aspire to provide. We will actively create spaces for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration, ensuring that everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.

Third, we will Optimize Information Technology to better support learning, teaching, and university operations. The rapid advancements in digital technology offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance how we communicate, engage, and innovate. We are committed to modernizing our infrastructure and ensuring that our technology is accessible, reliable, and forward‐thinking, creating a digital environment that supports both current and future needs.

Finally, we will Create an Engaged and Motivated Workforce by cultivating a supportive and dynamic environment for our faculty and staff. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we will invest in their professional development, well‐being, and growth. By fostering a culture of collaboration, recognition, and innovation, we will empower our employees to make meaningful contributions to the university’s mission and vision.

As an extension of “Where Warriors Belong,” we believe that ESU is a place where courage – a key characteristic in our students – finds confidence, opportunity, and community. Through these four areas, I genuinely believe that our faculty, coaches, and staff will guide our students through their higher education journey and into a successful future.

As a regional public comprehensive university, I am confident that ESU: Creating Opportunities through Community, Engagement, & Belonging will not only guide us through the next three years but also position East Stroudsburg University as a leader in higher education. Together, we will build a future where opportunity, innovation, and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.

ESU’S Areas of focus for creating opportunities through Community, Engagement, & Belonging

• Area of Focus 1 – Develop a Culture of Student Success
• Area of Focus 2 – Foster a Community of Belonging
• Area of Focus 3 – Optimize Information Technology
• Area of Focus 4 – Create an Engaged and Motivated Workplace