Lead On

LEAD ON

Our Strategic Plan, “Lead On, University,” is the compass guiding us toward a future filled with promise and potential. It’s a living, breathing roadmap that positions us to meet the challenges of our ever-evolving world and fulfill our purpose of changing lives.

Lead On University: The Next Phase

How It Works

Our refreshed "Lead On, University" Strategic Plan is a dynamic roadmap guiding OU’s future. Built on five key Pillars, it defines our Vision, Strategies, and measurable goals. Through a collaborative, cross-campus effort, we assessed progress, adapted to new challenges, and refined our priorities. The Plan aligns academic excellence, student success, research innovation, and community impact, ensuring OU remains a leader in higher education. With regular performance reviews and campus-wide engagement, we stay agile and committed to delivering on our mission.

Strategic Plan Process

See Our Plan

Discover how "Lead On, University" is shaping the future of OU. Our refreshed Strategic Plan builds on past successes and sets bold new goals in academic excellence, student success, research innovation, and community impact. With a focus on One OU, this Plan unites our campuses and stakeholders to drive meaningful progress. Explore the full Plan to see how we are investing in faculty, expanding opportunities for students, strengthening research, and enhancing OU’s role as a leader in higher education.

Read the Full Plan

This is our moment to set the stage for
a future of limitless potential.

Leading to Change Lives

Disciplined execution of our Strategic Plan will result in: providing affordable academic excellence for our students; promoting students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth and preparing students for a life of meaning and impact.

We will also educate students committed to the pursuit of academic excellence regardless of background; serve and improve society through discovery, creativity, and innovation; and work in partnership with the public and private sectors to advance prosperity and well-being.

At the University of Oklahoma, our Purpose is elegant in its simplicity and profound in its depth:

We Change Lives

See Those Leading
to Change Lives

Changing Lives Through the Power of Education

Juan Dills

Truman Scholar | B.A. Social Work, ‘25

Juan Dills’ path to the University of Oklahoma reflects the life-changing power of education. After growing up in foster care and serving time as a teenager, he earned his GED in prison and set his sights on OU. Now a first-generation student and 2024 Truman Scholar, Juan is using his journey to help others build new futures – just as he has built his own.

“I’m just grateful to be at my university. Individuals like me don’t make it to places like this. I never knew that education could give you the power and influence, and I hope I can empower others to change.”

- Juan Dills

Changing Lives Through World-Class Health Care

Parker Helmerich and parents David and Faith Helmerich

Oklahoma’s First Pediatric Heart Transplant
in 30 Years

Just 30 minutes after birth, Parker Helmerich was rushed to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health with critical heart complications. After months in the hospital, he received a donor heart – Oklahoma’s first pediatric heart transplant in over 30 years. Now home in Tulsa, Parker is thriving. His parents credit the OU Health team and the donor family for giving their son a second chance at life.

“They truly felt like family to us ... They are forever ingrained in our memory for the positive impact they had on our journey and lives.”

- Faith Helmerich

Changing Lives Through Research and Discovery

Dr. Amy McGovern

Lloyd G. and Joyce Austin Presidential Professor, University of Oklahoma

Dr. Amy McGovern is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to better predict severe weather like tornadoes and hail – helping make forecasts more accurate and communities safer. Her work shows how research at OU doesn’t just push boundaries – it delivers real impact for Oklahoma and the nation.

“The research mission is all about advancing our fundamental understanding of the world. We need to do that if we’re going to continue to be leaders in science and technology.”

-Dr. Amy McGovern

Watch the Launch Livestream

OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr. shares the vision of the “Lead On, University: The Next Phase” Strategic Plan Refresh on April 15, 2025 from the Oklahoma Memorial Union Ballroom on the Norman Campus.

Recent 'Lead On' News

Campus & Community

November 13, 2026

Fifteen OU students named Outstanding Senior award recipients

Fifteen seniors from the University of Oklahoma have been selected as Outstanding Seniors for their exceptional achievements in scholarship, honors, awards, leadership and service. Raj Bhakta from Tulsa was chosen by a committee of OU faculty and staff as the Overall Outstanding Senior.

University of Oklahoma surpasses historic $2 billion fundraising goal, announces extension of Lead On campaign

The University of Oklahoma today announced a historic milestone in its Lead On campaign, surpassing its original $2 billion fundraising goal and setting a new goal of $3 billion. The announcement was made today during the OU’s Annual Gala: Milestones and Momentum, where university leadership, donors, alumni and friends gathered to celebrate the campaign's success and unveil Lead On. For Oklahoma. For the Future, an expanded vision for OU's future.

OU invests in the next generation of Oklahoma teachers with new scholars program

A new University of Oklahoma program will help future teachers graduate with less debt and a built-in network of mentors and peers, with the goal of putting more teachers with standard certification in Oklahoma classrooms.