Klein College of Science Debuts Inaugural Strategic Plan
The Klein College of Science unveiled the inaugural strategic plan “Discovering What’s Next” after an intensive, year-long process engaging feedback from stakeholders across UNC Charlotte and beyond. The plan will serve as a guide for KCOS priorities through 2032.
Founding Dean Bernadette Donovan-Merkert convened the KCOS Strategic Planning Committee on February 3, 2025, and charged it with creating an actionable roadmap — including new mission, vision and values statements — that reflect the KCOS commitment to academic excellence, societal impact and global ambitions, while aligning with UNC Charlotte’s strategic priorities.
“I am thrilled with the quality and depth of our inaugural strategic plan, which provides a bold blueprint for the future of the Klein College of Science,” said Donovan-Merkert.
Members of the KCOS Strategic Planning Committee:
- Kirill A. Afonin, professor of chemistry
- Tonya C. Bates, senior lecturer of biological sciences and 2024-25 KCOS Faculty Council chair
- Sharon Bullock, teaching professor of biological sciences and biotechnology minor program coordinator
- Didier Dreau, professor of biology and graduate program pirector
- Jeff Gillman, director, Botanical Gardens
- Donald Jacobs, professor of applied physics and graduate program director
- Reneé Johnson, office manager and assistant to the OPTI graduate program director
- Kevin McGoff, Professor of Mathematics
- Rosario Porras-Aguilar, associate professor of physics and optical science
- Juan Vivero-Escoto, professor of chemistry and director of CITRANS
The committee met weekly to collaborate, gathering input from hundreds of stakeholders through surveys, reviews of more than 50 strategic plans from leading domestic and international science colleges, and a combined SWOT and SOAR analysis.
“This plan would not have been possible without the creativity, insight and hard work of the KCOS SPC, the massive amount of thoughtful feedback to the surveys provided by stakeholders and the exemplary guidance of Dr. Sharon McDade, our Strategic Plan Consultant,” said Donovan-Merkert. “I am extremely grateful to everyone for their contributions and I look forward to working with our college, our community partners and alumni to implement the new plan and drive success for our college.”