Villa Maria College unveiled its Strategic Plan Through 2027, a comprehensive roadmap that will accelerate the College’s position as a leader in advancing educational equity, creating robust and diverse career pathways, and building on momentum as the hub of Buffalo’s creative economy.
Anchored by the vision that “Villa Maria College will be a leader in creating a more equitable and prosperous Buffalo,” the plan outlines how the College will expand access to higher education, deepen student support, and ensure graduates are prepared to succeed in the workplace.
“At a time when higher education is facing real headwinds, Villa Maria is leaning into what has always made us strong – meeting students where they are, supporting them relentlessly, and preparing them for meaningful careers,” said Dr. Matthew Giordano, president of Villa Maria College. “This strategic plan gives us the clarity, focus, and discipline to build on our momentum and extend opportunity to more students and families across Western New York.”
A Foundation of Growth and Investment
The launch of the strategic plan builds on a period of historic progress for the College. This fall, Villa Maria reached the highest enrollment in its history, marking three consecutive years of growth at a time when many institutions nationally and locally are experiencing declines.
Recent capital investments have transformed the campus and strengthened the student experience, including the Russell J. Salvatore Commons – now the heart of student life – and the Scott Bieler Center for Academic Excellence, which brings advising, tutoring, counseling, career services, and academic support into a single, coordinated hub.
“These projects were not just about bricks and mortar,” Dr. Giordano said. “They were strategic investments in belonging, access, and coordinated support – the very foundation our students need to thrive.”
Access. Support. Success in the Workplace.
At the core of the strategic plan is Villa Maria’s commitment to empowering educational equity through three interconnected priorities:
Access – Expanding pathways to higher education for students who might otherwise be excluded, particularly first-generation and underserved learners.
Support – Delivering a student-support-centric model that addresses academic, financial, social, and personal needs through coordinated care and dedicated faculty and staff.
Success in the Workplace – Embedding career preparation, experiential learning, and employer partnerships across the curriculum to ensure graduates are ready for sustainable careers.
The plan sets clear, measurable institutional goals through 2027, including responsible enrollment growth, improved student retention and graduation rates, expanded workforce development programs, and strengthened financial sustainability.
Building Buffalo’s Talent Pipeline and Creative Economy
A central pillar of the plan is capitalizing and expanding Villa Maria’s position as the hub of the creative economy in Western New York. Initiatives to expand Villa’s role in Buffalo’s creative economy include:
- A new career services model focused on building structured pathways with employers
- Expanded experiential learning and workforce development programs
- Launch of a creative services studio providing real-world, fee-based client work for students
- Development of cross-disciplinary digital production spaces
- Stronger partnerships with business, nonprofit, and community organizations
“Villa graduates overwhelmingly stay in this region,” Dr. Giordano said. “When we invest in their success, we are investing directly in Buffalo’s future workforce, its creative sector, and its economic vitality.”
A Call for Partnership
The strategic plan emphasizes the role of philanthropy, alumni, employers, and community partners in extending Villa Maria’s impact – through scholarships, program support, internships, mentorships, and collaborative projects that connect students to opportunity.
“Villa’s strength has never been scale – it has always been care,” Giordano said. “With this plan, we are preserving that care while expanding opportunity, deepening partnerships, and ensuring that our mission continues to serve this community for generations.”
For more information about Villa Maria College’s Strategic Plan Through 2027, visit https://www.villa.edu/strategic-plan.
