Mission, Vision & Convictions

In 2004, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new mission statement, vision statement and convictions for the university, which were developed by a task force of faculty, staff, students and trustees. Together with the strategic directions approved by the Board of Trustees, the mission, vision and convictions serve as the foundation and guide for the university’s operations.

The mission rests upon four pillars: faith, liberal arts, professional education and community engagement. The university aspires for its students to think critically because they are liberally educated; act wisely because they have been enriched by an environment that respects the role of faith in modern life; and work skillfully to advance the common good because they have received a first-rate professional education.

The university maintains an Office of Mission, which seeks to ensure campus awareness and understanding of the mission and to promote actions and activities consistent with it and the university’s convictions. New faculty undergo training to ensure they understand the university’s mission and to reinforce the mission-driven nature of the academic program.

Mission

Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good.

Vision

To become a recognized leader in Catholic higher education that excels in effective teaching, active learning, scholarly research and responsible engagement with the local community as well as with the national and global communities in which we live.

Convictions

As a community we are committed to:

Pursuit of truth. We value intellectual inquiry as a lifelong habit, the unfettered and impartial pursuit of truth in all its forms, the integration of knowledge across disciplines, and the imaginative and creative exploration of new ideas.

Academic excellence. We create a culture among faculty, students and staff that recognizes the power of ideas and rewards rigorous thinking.

Faith and reason. We actively engage Catholic intellectual tradition, which values the fundamental compatibility of faith and reason and fosters meaningful dialogue directed toward the flourishing of human culture.

Dignity. We respect the dignity of each person and value the unique contributions that each brings to the greater mosaic of the university community.

Diversity. We strive to create a vibrant diverse community in which, together, we work for a more just and inclusive society.

Personal attention. We foster a caring culture that supports the well-being of each member.

Gratitude. We celebrate the achievements of all members of our community in goals attained and obstacles overcome, and in all things give praise to God.