{"id":73816,"date":"2026-01-13T09:30:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T14:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/?p=73816"},"modified":"2026-01-14T15:17:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T20:17:19","slug":"mocs-flight-plan-takes-flight-utc-enrollment-strategy-moves-from-planning-to-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/mocs-flight-plan-takes-flight-utc-enrollment-strategy-moves-from-planning-to-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Mocs Flight Plan takes flight: UTC enrollment strategy moves from planning to action"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"UTC

Chancellor Lori Bruce talks during the Monday, Jan. 12, Mocs Flight Plan kickoff session in the UTC Library Southern Writers Room. Photo by Angela Foster.<\/p><\/div>\n

As the spring 2026 semester begins, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is moving from planning to implementation of its Strategic Enrollment Plan with the launch of the Mocs Flight Plan.<\/p>\n

UTC leaders, faculty and staff gathered Monday, Jan. 12, for the kickoff meeting of the Mocs Flight Plan, marking the start of a coordinated, campuswide effort to implement the University\u2019s Strategic Enrollment Plan approved in fall 2025.<\/p>\n

The meeting, which coincided with the first day of the semester, included Chancellor Lori Bruce and the chairs and co-chairs of the plan\u2019s eight workgroups.<\/p>\n

The Mocs Flight Plan establishes UTC\u2019s roadmap for reaching 15,000 students by 2030 while strengthening retention, student outcomes and the overall student experience. Developed through a five-month, data-informed planning process, the plan reflects the University\u2019s recent enrollment momentum and the need for intentional collaboration across academic and administrative units to meet future goals.<\/p>\n

Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Artanya Wesley said the launch reinforces that enrollment and student success are shared responsibilities requiring broad participation rather than isolated efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis work moves us from planning to action,\u201d Wesley said. \u201cThe Mocs Flight Plan is a shared commitment to expand access and support students through graduation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bruce said the enrollment goal is grounded in UTC\u2019s mission and the impact a college education can have on individuals and families.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile we\u2019ve set a public goal of enrolling 15,000 students by 2030, this isn\u2019t about chasing numbers\u2014it\u2019s about investing in people,\u201d Bruce said. \u201cI believe deeply in what we offer students at UTC and have experienced firsthand how a college education can change someone\u2019s life trajectory, and often the trajectory of an entire family.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce we admit and enroll a student, we are committing ourselves to help them through their educational journey. They still have to do the work, but we\u2019re committing to breaking down barriers and helping them create pathways to success.\u201d<\/p>\n

The plan outlines three strategic priorities: student enrollment growth, retention and student outcomes, and student experience excellence. Together, they are supported by clear initiatives, measurable outcomes and defined action items that will be implemented and assessed over the next five years.<\/p>\n

Bruce said growth must be deliberate and aligned with the University\u2019s ability to support students well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want us to grow\u2014but to grow smart,\u201d she said. \u201cGrowth isn\u2019t one-size-fits-all, and we need to be intentional about how we expand so we can truly support our students while growing overall as an institution.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur size is our secret sauce. We\u2019re big enough to matter and small enough to care\u2014big enough to do big things and small enough to be agile and capitalize on opportunities that support our students\u2019 life on campus and their futures.\u201d<\/p>\n

To carry out that work, the Strategic Enrollment Implementation Plan is organized around eight workgroups, each co-led by academic and administrative leaders from across UTC.<\/p>\n