Letter from the AD
INSPIRING GREATNESS, Furman Athletics Strategic Plan 2022-2026 builds on the University’s extraordinary history and distinguished national brand. Our expectations of Greatness are grounded in Furman’s culture of determination, the passion of the Furman family and desire to excel in all we do.
Furman Athletics’ Vision, Mission, and Core Values define who we are and where we are going. We strive to inspire, educate, and develop remarkable student-athletes while continuing to compete on the national Division I stage. This plan provides the framework for Furman Athletics’ sustained success in the classroom, on the field of play, and as a catalyst for uniting and celebrating Furman. Eight priorities or Success Factors are vital to attaining our Vision. Achieving these Success Factors requires campus-wide collaboration combined with a continued commitment of external support and philanthropy from all Paladins.
I sincerely thank the Furman Family for its support as we strive to Inspire Greatness in everything we do. We look forward to sharing updates on each of these key initiatives.
Go Paladins!
Jason Donnelly, Director of Athletics
Letter from the AD
INSPIRING GREATNESS, Furman Athletics Strategic Plan 2022-2026 builds on the University’s extraordinary history and distinguished national brand. Our expectations of Greatness are grounded in Furman’s culture of determination, the passion of the Furman family and desire to excel in all we do.
Furman Athletics’ Vision, Mission, and Core Values define who we are and where we are going. We strive to inspire, educate, and develop remarkable student-athletes while continuing to compete on the national Division I stage. This plan provides the framework for Furman Athletics’ sustained success in the classroom, on the field of play, and as a catalyst for uniting and celebrating Furman. Eight priorities or Success Factors are vital to attaining our Vision. Achieving these Success Factors requires campus-wide collaboration combined with a continued commitment of external support and philanthropy from all Paladins.
I sincerely thank the Furman Family for its support as we strive to Inspire Greatness in everything we do. We look forward to sharing updates on each of these key initiatives.
Go Paladins!
Jason Donnelly, Director of Athletics
Letter from the AD
INSPIRING GREATNESS, Furman Athletics Strategic Plan 2022-2026 builds on the University’s extraordinary history and distinguished national brand. Our expectations of Greatness are grounded in Furman’s culture of determination, the passion of the Furman family and desire to excel in all we do.
Furman Athletics’ Vision, Mission, and Core Values define who we are and where we are going. We strive to inspire, educate, and develop remarkable student-athletes while continuing to compete on the national Division I stage. This plan provides the framework for Furman Athletics’ sustained success in the classroom, on the field of play, and as a catalyst for uniting and celebrating Furman. Eight priorities or Success Factors are vital to attaining our Vision. Achieving these Success Factors requires campus-wide collaboration combined with a continued commitment of external support and philanthropy from all Paladins.
I sincerely thank the Furman Family for its support as we strive to Inspire Greatness in everything we do. We look forward to sharing updates on each of these key initiatives.
Go Paladins!
Jason Donnelly, Director of Athletics
DEFINING GREATNESS
GREATNESS is what we expect to achieve. It is our strategic vision. It is something we earn. It inspires us individually and collectively to accomplish our goals. Our desire for GREATNESS guides our journey – it defines us.
- Culture of excellence in everything we do
- Exceptional student-athlete experience
- Champions on and off the field
- Diverse, equal, and inclusive environment
- Love, affinity, and appreciation for Furman
- Purposeful community partner "Greenville's Team"
- Financially sustainable and successful Division I model
COLLABORATION INSPIRES GREATNESS
14 months, hundreds of hours, and over 100 stakeholders who passionately contributed to shaping INSPIRING GREATNESS.
Those key participants included Athletics personnel, coaches, current and former student-athletes, faculty, University staff, financial supporters, alumni, and community members. Furman’s senior leadership and Board of Trustees were instrumental in ensuring the alignment of Athletics’ Vision, Mission, and Values with those of the University.
INSPIRING GREATNESS is a living document that emphasizes eight strategic priorities or Success Factors with accompanying goals spanning a five-year period, 2022-2026. It is driven by a compelling and bold Vision: Inspire Greatness through our passion for excellence.
“Furman Athletics embodies the University’s mission, vision, and values through its culture of excellence and passion for living, learning, and leading as champions.”
Elizabeth Davis, President Furman University
VISION
INSPIRE GREATNESS through our passion for excellence.
MISSION
We PURPOSELY CONTRIBUTE to Furman University's vision, mission, and prestigious liberal arts education through an exceptional student-athlete experience, respect for others, campus and community partnerships, nationally competitive athletics teams, and the pursuit of excellence.
CORE VALUES
RESPECT
We strive to always do the right thing.
We unconditionally hold ourselves to the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and ethical conduct.
EXCELLENCE
We live, learn, and lead as champions.
We purposely foster the holistic development of each Furman student-athlete and we passionately pursue excellence in our actions, behaviors, and competitive achievement.
INTEGRITY
We treat everyone with dignity and respect.
We inherently champion respect through a culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
INCLUSION
We intentionally and thoughtfully invest in the lives of the Furman Family.
We individually and collectively embody a culture of compassion, trust, loyalty, and teamwork that includes and celebrates every member of the Furman Family and beyond.
ENGAGEMENT
We unite, connect, and engage - we bring people together under the Purple and White.
We intentionally facilitate opportunities on campus, in Greenville, Upstate South Carolina, nationally, and beyond. We cultivate meaningful relationships and inspire a lifelong love, passion, and affinity for Furman University.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
We contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus community by purposely integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the Core Values and actions of Furman Athletics.
SUCCESS FACTORS
EIGHT SUCCESS FACTORS readily evolved from the strategic planning process. Collectively, these eight priorities celebrate Furman Athletics’ 131-year history while effectively managing the challenges of achieving sustainable success in an increasingly fluid NCAA Division I environment.
- Student-Athlete Well-Being and Performance
- Academic Success and Cultivating Leaders
- Financial Sustainability and Accountability
- Competitive Excellence
- Best-In-Class Facilities
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Marketing, Fan Engagement, and Branding
- Culture of Excellence and Collaboration
SUCCESS FACTOR
Student-Athlete Well-Being and Performance
OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE
Capitalize on a proven blend of industry-standard services and dynamic partnerships to provide for the health, safety, well-being, and maximum performance of Furman’s student-athletes.
GOALS
- Provide the foremost health and performance services for all student-athletes
- Enhance student-athlete mental health and well-being services
- Lead in fostering an environment founded on civility and respect
- Enhance student-athlete career development and leadership opportunities
An Exceptional Student-Athlete Experience
SUCCESS FACTOR
Academic Success and Cultivating Leaders
OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE
Support the academic success of Furman’s student-athletes by providing unparalleled educational opportunities, individualized support services, and professional development leading to career satisfaction or post-graduate education.
GOALS
- Strengthen Furman Athletics’ alignment with The Furman Advantage
- Continue Furman’s exemplary record of student-athlete academic success
- Lead in fostering an environment founded on civility and respect
- Enhance student-athlete career development and leadership opportunities
Unparalleled Educational Opportunities
94%
Furman students post-graduation placement rate
Employed or graduate school within 6 months of graduation
93%
NCAA Division I Graduation Success Rate
Exceeds the NCAA Division I national average of 90%
990
NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR)All Sports Average
SUCCESS FACTOR
Financial Sustainability and Accountability
OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE
Achieve transparent financial sustainability by combining enhanced revenue generation and strategic resource allocation with cost containment, accountability, and exemplary customer service.
GOALS
- Strategically align Athletics External Affairs’ operations
- Maximize revenues from Athletics’ sales and customer engagement activities
- Design and implement the optimal athletics fundraising model
- Strengthen Athletics’ fiscal management and accountability procedures
Strategic Revenue Generation andCost Containment
SUCCESS FACTOR
Competitive Excellence
OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE
Take advantage of Furman Athletics’ winning tradition and commitment to the holistic development of its student-athletes to consistently compete for Division I conference championships and post-season opportunities.
GOALS
- Establish competitive expectations and accountability measures for Paladin sports
- Define appropriate resource allocations for each Paladin sport
- Recruit, develop, and retain the best, brightest, and diverse student-athletes
- Attract, employ, and promote excellence in the most qualified, talented, and diverse coaches and staff
- Develop formal consistent Sport Administrator responsibilities
Champions On and Off the Field
234
Southern Conference Championships
140
NCAA Division I All-Americans
123
NCAA Division I Tournament Appearances
SUCCESS FACTOR
Best-In-Class Facilities
OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE
Provide first-class athletics facilities that advance Furman’s ability to deliver an elite and equitable Division I FCS student-athlete experience and serve as a catalyst for enhancing institutional prestige, competitiveness, revenue generation, and brand recognition.
GOALS
- Develop an Athletics Facilities Master Plan
- Advance near-term Athletics facilities projects
- Incorporate Athletics' facilities priorities in the University's comprehensive campaign
- Establish an Athletics facilities maintenance and repair plan
Catalyst for an Elite Division I Environment
SUCCESS FACTOR
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE
Contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus community by purposely integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the Core Values and actions of Furman Athletics.
GOALS
- Align Athletics and University diversity, equity, and inclusion goals
- Collaborate with University and Greenville community on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Identify and advance student-athlete diversity, equity, and inclusion services
- Align Athletics, NCAA, Conference, and University diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Promote principles of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination - lead in gender equity
A Culture of Belonging
SUCCESS FACTOR
Marketing, Fan Engagement, and Branding
OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE
Strengthen affinity and support for Furman Athletics through dynamic marketing, strategic communications, integrated fan engagement, and brand initiatives.
GOALS
- Strengthen the effectiveness of Athletics’ marketing, fan engagement, and branding
- Enhance game day and fan engagement
- Strengthen marketing outreach and customer service
- Develop an Athletics branding initiative
Our Brand Speaks to Who We Are
SUCCESS FACTOR
Culture of Excellence and Collaboration
OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE
Foster a distinctive and inclusive high-achieving culture that unites and inspires pride among Furman Athletics, University, and community stakeholders.
GOALS
- Foster a distinctive culture that defines Furman Athletics
- Honor Furman Athletics’ success, history, and traditions
- Enhance professional and personal development opportunities
- Promote a culture of athletics and community engagement
Where Excellence Gathers
A Pathway For Success
INSPIRING GREATNESS is a game plan for providing an exceptional experience for Furman’s 350 extraordinary student-athletes, coaches, staff, and Furman Family. Our Vision, Mission, Core Values, and strategic priorities embody the qualities and spirit that distinguishes Furman as one of the nation’s premier liberal arts and sciences universities.
We express our sincere appreciation for the teamwork of all those who guided us through the planning process. Furman Athletics’ vision and pathways for sustainable success are very clear.
It is a great time to be a Paladin!
