Rapid external changes demanded that the Ar-Raniry State Islamic University in Banda Aceh, Indonesia reformulate a strategic plan for its lecturer development that is appropriate and relevant to the current time and situation. This study aims to explore the steps taken by the university in identifying strategic issues as guidelines for the formulation of its lecturer development strategy. Using the qualitative case study approach, the data for the current study were collected via semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Six informants from the university’s top management were purposively selected for the interviews. The interview data were then compared and analyzed with relevant document reviews to finally draw conclusions on the steps taken. The findings revealed that several strategic issues were considered to inform the steps taken in formulating a strategic plan to develop lecturer competency at the Ar-Raniry State Islamic University. The steps included revitalizing university management, improving university policy development, utilizing the paradigm of scientific development, and promoting local wisdom of Acehnese people.