We are the leading micropolitan university that is measured by the success of our students and the communities we serve; advancing education, research, and discovery of public value; and assuming leadership for improving the cultural, social, economic, and overall health outcomes throughout the region and world.
Develop the region’s most valuable learner-centered higher education experience for students.
Remove barriers and commit to student success as a shared imperative to assist students to achieve their personal and professional educational goals.
Create a campus culture that values diversity and works to ensure that all individuals are included and belong as members of the University community.
Strengthen student, faculty, and staff satisfaction with their living, learning, and work environment as a clear institutional priority.
Develop a scholarship, research, and creative activity portfolio with strategic intent.
Drive regional economic prosperity and strengthen state-wide competitiveness through education, research, and community engagement programs and initiatives.
Partner with other organizations, alumni, and donors to advance shared educational, athletic, artistic, cultural, economic, environmental, and social priorities
Advance a culture of continuous improvement that values transparency, strategic planning and evaluation, effective communication, shared governance, and creative problem-solving.
Grow a sustainable future for the University and world through the successful stewardship of finite resources
Invest in health and wellness strategies and evidence-based educational programs and services that promote positive change in knowledge, skills, behaviors, and outcomes for students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
The following design principles will guide our decisions and shared actions. They are integrated throughout the university to advance initiatives and drive the accomplishment of goals and objectives on behalf of our students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Actively seek opportunities to reduce barriers for students by improving education-related systems, programs, and processes.
Engage with our communities by embracing our cultural, socioeconomic, and physical setting in Southeast Kansas.
Believe all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners belong and deserve to live, learn, and work in fulfilling and healthy environments
Listen to others and use knowledge to advance innovative, collaborative approaches to solving problems both on and off campus.
Are not afraid to take risks in the pursuit of accomplishing goals and objectives that lead to positive outcomes for students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Celebrate the link between past, present, and future Gorillas as a distinct point of pride.
Believe scholarship and research have purpose and impact communities locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
Successfully steward and sustain finite human, financial, and environmental resources.