Prince Sultan University (PSU) is a leading non-profit private university in the Middle East. According to QS Ranking (2018), PSU is ranked as the top non-profit private university in the Kingdom and one of the top ten private universities in the Arab Region. To achieve our vision, we have historically aligned PSU strategic plans with its mission, accreditation standards, and best practices at private higher education institutions around the world. As the first private university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, PSU leaders formulated the first strategic plan during the “Growth Phase” to strengthen the infrastructure of PSU. The plan consisted of actions to establish quality programs, recruit faculty, graduate exemplary students, obtain resources with developmental key result areas described under the acronym “PURPOSE” (2006-2011). During the second decade, PSU leaders developed a second strategic plan which focused on taking the lead as a higher education institution and having a greater impact on society. The second plan enshrined more elements of PSU’s vision statement during the “Development Phase” with its ambitious themes under the acronym “LEADER” (2012- 2017).

As we prepare to celebrate twenty years of success and transition into the third decade of PSU, we will embark on the “Sustainability & Initiatives Phase” with its research-based themes described under the acronym “EMPOWER” (2018-2023). This plan will move PSU from first to best by promoting PSU's model of excellence in private higher education. We will continue to open the doors for new learning opportunities, to showcase adroitness in the use of modern technology, and to infuse research into the teaching and learning process. This plan will also enable the PSU community to contribute to the National Transformation Program 2020 (NTP2020), to utilize our state of the art facilities and technology for innovative research, and to sustain our momentum as the leading and best private university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It will be essential to continue attracting outstanding students, retain high quality and diverse faculty, and to maintain updated high-quality programs to improve our reputation. By capitalizing on our diverse and vibrant community of leaders, students, faculty, and staff, we will work collaboratively and creatively to realize the ambitions of the NTP2020 and Saudi Vision 2030 and to increase our presence on the world stage. PSU faculty will be empowered to conduct innovative research, publish high-quality research articles, and commercialize patents through the Research and Initiatives Center's three pillars: The Prince Sultan University Research Review International Journal (PRR), future PSU Research Labs, and the NTP2020 Initiatives. Through strategic implementation and performance management, the PSU community will execute initiatives designed to ensure PSU plays a significant role in contributing to the national goal of establishing a knowledge-based economy.

In alignment with the national objectives and internationalization goals, higher management closed the 2nd plan (at a 95% accomplishment rate) and transferred our current priorities to the 3rd Strategic Plan (e.g., international accreditation and PSU endowments). All academic and administrative leaders were required to integrate external review recommendations into their short and long-term plans and include the approved Institutional Key Performance Indicators. We firmly believe our strategic planning, continuous improvement efforts, and our constant accreditation successes will help us achieve our vision to be the leading and best non-profit private university, not only in the Kingdom, but in the Middle East Region.

Sincerely,