Strategic Plan

Women increasingly lead the national conversation on the environment, conservation and sustainability—all matters of unparalleled importance to our global future. Sweet Briar’s 2,847-acre campus, with its unique natural and built environment and agricultural enterprises (greenhouse, vineyards and apiary), make it an ideal place for hands-on, immersive learning about the environment, conservation and sustainability. Sweet Briar will make its academic and co-curricular programming, as well as its campus operations, hallmarks for sustainability by: accelerating the tempo of its investments in agriculture; expanding the current certificate program in Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems into a minor (eventually a major) in this field; integrating sustainability studies across the disciplines; creating a campus culture of physical and mental wellness for students and community members; and developing a plan to address issues of land use, energy needs, and other areas of environmental stewardship.

One of the only two ABET accredited engineering programs at a women’s college, our program empowers women to succeed as engineers. Through immersive, hands-on, project-based learning imparted in an environment free of bias and misogyny, students acquire the training to succeed in any engineering specialty while benefitting from a liberal arts education. Sweet Briar will grow the engineering program by: doubling the number of student majors; ensuring its accessibility to students with varying preparation levels in math and science; increasing the opportunities for students and faculty to engage in entrepreneurial activities with regional and national companies and organizations; and exploring the development of a Master’s degree program in integrated engineering. To meet the instructional and research needs of engineering, as well as all its STEM programs, the College will plan the renovation of the Guion Science Center.

Sweet Briar’s equestrian program is one of the oldest and most renowned in the country. In addition to producing winning riding teams, the program trains horsewomen of all skill levels. As practiced at Sweet Briar, riding is another aspect of women’s leadership, providing lessons in confidence, discipline and teamwork. Sweet Briar will elevate its equestrian program to an even higher level by: integrating it more closely with the leadership core and the rest of the academic program; hiring a staff veterinarian who, in addition to providing animal care, will mentor students, expand the program’s academic offerings, and create synergies with biology and other programs, potentially leading to the development of a B.S. degree in equine science; growing the number of auxiliary activities offered throughout the year to help market itself and generate revenue; and continuing to make improvements to its facilities.

In collaboration with regional partners, Sweet Briar will capitalize on its beautiful outdoor setting and facilities by becoming a destination for creative and performing arts experiences, akin to those of a Chautauqua. Destination Sweet Briar will generate benefits by: raising the College’s visibility and increasing its name recognition; promoting its performing and visual arts programs; boosting recruitment and retention; utilizing the campus year-round, especially in the summers, thereby increasing auxiliary revenues; improving “town-gown” relationships; and boosting the regional economy. The College has an extensive array of assets, ranging from its verdant landscapes and agricultural enterprises to its facilities and hospitality services, that will help establish the cultural corridor. The renovations that Sweet Briar is already planning to make to its dormitories, to the Babcock Performing Arts Center and to Pannell will also be integral to establishing Destination Sweet Briar.