President's Message

Plymouth State University is proud to respond to both student interests and the demands of the marketplace with new programs, facilities, and educational approaches. We invite you to join us as we reinvent higher education for a rapidly changing world.

Plymouth State is an educational leader, recognized for our Cluster Learning model based on the needs of the 21st century. Our unique and integrated academic environment centers on 1) interdisciplinary inquiry and research, 2) project-based learning that extends past the walls of the classroom, and 3) open educational practices that lower barriers and empower students to contribute to the knowledge commons. Our Habits of Mind Experience (HoME) prepares students to have a high level of impact, work effectively in teams, see the big picture, and solve real-world problems.

Our wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs include new majors in climate studies, digital music production and entrepreneurship, forensic science, game design, robotics, and sustainability, along with the University’s traditional strengths in the arts, business, education, health, and the humanities. There is also the option of designing your own major through our interdisciplinary studies program, ensuring that your unique career goals can be met at Plymouth State.

At Plymouth State you’ll have full access to our many resources, including the Academic and Career Advising Center, which will help you identify your unique strengths; the IDEA Center, which supports belonging, success, and empowerment across diverse identities and experiences; and the Writing Center, which assists students on all types of projects, to name just a few!

We’re excited to begin our latest chapter of innovations and opportunities. Some highlights on the horizon include:

  • Hyde Hall, home to our School of Business, is being transformed through a $40 million renovation and will feature a new Finance Lab, an Entrepreneurship Suite, and other facilities befitting our award-winning business program.
  • Our nursing program, which has received over $2 million in federal funding to improve and expand facilities to prepare the next generation of nurses.
  • We’ll cut the ribbon this fall on our new state-of-the-art robotics laboratory supported by $1 million in federal funding.
  • The PSU Energy Transition Project will include a Renewable Energy Open Lab, with teaching facilities to prepare future professionals to address the climate crisis.
  • A new cybersecurity education program is under development to address a technological challenge that will only become more consequential in the years to come.

Our community is distinguished by excellence and innovation, with students placing highly in national and international competitions, engaging in productive, résumé-boosting partnerships with area firms and nonprofits, and serving their communities in many substantial ways. We welcome your contributions as you build your future on our campus.

My best wishes for a rewarding and productive year,

Donald L. Birx
President