Vision Statement

Pittsburg State University embraces an inclusive vision for the future that involves all constituents and their welfare. The university strives for excellence in all of its endeavors as it serves Kansas and the nation. Through the first one hundred years of its existence, the university has seen its values become a part of its graduates who have gone throughout the world to make their own contributions to the betterment of humankind. The university takes special pride in honoring those who have served their country to defend freedom here and abroad. The university vision for the future includes the three-fold definition of a university that values teaching and learning, discovery and engagement.

In teaching and learning, the university attempts to attract highly qualified members of the faculty and staff to serve the students in the best possible way. The university expects to enroll qualified students from Kansas, the United States, and the world and provide them with valid academic programs and student life experiences that will prepare them for productive lives and careers. The university offers a wide range of baccalaureate degree programs, selected master's degree programs, specialist degree programs, and aspires in time to offer selected doctoral programs in areas of particular strength. The university pledges to provide outstanding facilities for teaching and learning that includes a modern library, the latest in laboratory equipment, and a viable and supportive information system. The university further pledges to maintain a pleasing campus and the finest of student life facilities. The university accepts its accountability to all constituents through external peer review and internally through the development of a culture of assessment that validates all student academic learning, makes adjustments through analysis of the assessment program, and incorporates all recommendations into its strategic planning process.

The university believes that teaching and learning must include not what is known but also knowledge at the edges of discovery. The university supports faculty development through attendance at learned and professional meetings, by providing excellent research support facilities and equipment, and by offering a system of sabbatical leaves, special academic leaves, and financial support. The university also pledges to each student that the element of the discovery of new knowledge will become a part of the curriculum and programs of study to create an environment of learning that consists of a synthesis of the known but also the excitement of discovering the unknown.

The university senses a deep commitment to engage the local community and region, the state, and the nation through public service. The university has specialized centers and highly skilled people who cooperate in creating a progressive and productive society that fosters economic development, environmental awareness, humane services, health care, intellectual stimulation through better schools, and the maintenance of helping organizations needed in modern society.