WRI’s 5-Year Strategic Plan
Building the South Jersey Research Hub of the Future
WRI Releases Five Year Strategic Plan to Guide Pathways for Research Excellence and Regional Impact
October 2, 2024
“Over the last 25 years, WRI has solidified its place as a premier research center focusing on important issues that impact South Jersey.
Mavis Asiedu-Frimpong, Director, Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs
As outlined in this strategic plan, we will continue to build upon an already strong foundation over the next five years and take WRI’s research, along with its strong community partnerships, to new heights.”
In preparation for its 25th anniversary, the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers–Camden (WRI) is proud to release and share the 5-year strategic plan (2024 – 2028), outlining a path to continued research excellence and regional impact in South Jersey. The new plan honors Senator Walter Rand’s legacy and reflects on his commitment to fact finding and analysis that shape public policy and practice as a foundation for the future.
Building on WRI’s mission of producing community-facing research in and for Southern New Jersey, the plan outlines key strategic priorities for the next five years that enhance its research initiatives, expand its reach across South Jersey, and establish exciting new opportunities for students and faculty to engage in real-world projects that support the region. By bringing community and WRI researchers together, WRI strives to continue making connections across research, policy and practice in the region.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for WRI as we unveil our strategic plan,” shared Mavis Asiedu-Frimpong, Director of WRI. “This roadmap reflects our dedication to teaching, training, and service to Rutgers–Camden and South Jersey alike. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, we are excited to embark on a more intentional path to future opportunities, achievements, and excellence.”
The comprehensive plan, developed over the past two years with input from key stakeholders including WRI staff, the WRI Advisory Board, former WRI directors, university leadership, faculty, and students, renews WRI’s commitment to leveraging community-based research to shape the South Jersey landscape.
“Research into the social issues that impact all South Jerseyans is critical for developing sound public policy and practice, and WRI fills that role in our region,” emphasized Michael Egenton, Executive Vice President, NJ State Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Advisory Board, and Amy Osborn, Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation and Vice Chair of the Board. “In developing this strategic plan, the Advisory Board – made up of a diverse set of influential leaders across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, each with a love for and commitment to South Jersey – provided strong input into the Institute’s future direction.”
Key components of the plan include:
- Research Portfolio Development: Enhancing WRI’s research portfolio to produce timely policy and practice-relevant research that highlight issues and solutions for South Jersey.
- Linking the University to Regional Issues: Creating dynamic pathways for faculty and the university to both engage in impactful, region-based work and offer coursework in community-focused research.
- Strategic Public Engagement: Fostering a variety of opportunities for government officials, State and local agencies, community providers and the public to leverage WRI research to support effective policy and practice decision-making in South Jersey.
- Student Engagement: Expanding an already robust set of offerings to develop a learning laboratory for students that equips emerging leaders and professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate community-facing research practices.
Inside the plan, each strategic priority is coupled with concrete, actionable goals to drive the years to come. “Our community is fortunate to have WRI as a staunch advocate for evidence-based, equitable solutions to South Jersey’s challenges,” shared Antonio D. Tillis, Chancellor of Rutgers–Camden, “I look forward to another five years of success at the Walter Rand Institute under its 2024-2028 strategic plan.”
WRI welcomes collaboration and partnership across the region to realize its goals and looks forward to sharing exciting updates on its progress along the way.
About the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs
The Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) at Rutgers–Camden has been a long-standing and trusted regional community partner for over 20 years. WRI honors former Senator Rand’s dedication to Southern New Jersey and exists to produce and highlight community-focused research and evaluation leading to sound public policy and practice in the region. With that as a foundation, WRI convenes and engages stakeholders in making the connections across research, policy, and practice in support of Camden City and Southern New Jersey residents. Using social science research methods, WRI specializes in transforming data into actionable information across a variety of areas, including workforce development, education, transportation, and public/population health. WRI reinforces and amplifies Rutgers’ research, teaching, and service goals by connecting the multidisciplinary expertise of faculty to regional problems, developing research and professional skills in students, and linking the resources of higher education to communities in Southern New Jersey.