Why strategic budgeting is crucial in an era of uncertainty
Preview:
With structural financial pressures now a permanent fixture in higher education, the FY2027 budget cycle demands more than an annual balancing act. Strategic budgeting, grounded in institutional priorities, multi-year planning, scenario analysis, and transparent communication, is increasingly the difference between institutions that adapt and those that drift. Boards and presidents must treat the budget as a core act of leadership, not a back-office function.
Originally published: March 18, 2026
Author: Robert Davies
Position: Former President
Institution: Central Michigan University
Published by: University Business