2. Then communicate it well.

The Top-20 vision resonated with Clemson’s board and appealed to the naturally competitive nature of students and alumni. Generating widespread support among the faculty, business and government leaders, tuition-paying parents and academic peers was another matter. Research and benchmarking helped build a case for support by demonstrating clear and relevant differences between top-20 and lower-ranked universities – better retention, graduation and student engagement rates; higher starting salaries for graduates; and more substantial contributions to economic development. Top 20 quickly became the University’s best-known and most widely embraced vision statement ever.

An editorial from the Anderson Independent-Mail said: “Clemson’s increasing prestige is a vital tool in recruiting high-achieving students and accomplished professors … ultimately the entire state benefits.”

“The cause and effect is clear. Universities aren’t successful at delivering quality education, economic development and quality of life because they are ranked. They are ranked because they do the right things and do them well. If we make good decisions and focus on quality in everything we do, the rankings will take care of themselves.” – James F. Barker, Clemson President