Office for Mission

Founded in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is a Catholic university based in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. We're the largest private university in Minnesota, with more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 110,000+ alumni. Eight schools and colleges offer 150+ undergraduate majors and minors and 55+ graduate degree programs.

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.

Convictions  

As a community we are committed to:

  1. 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

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

  3. 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

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

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

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

  7. 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

    (The Mission Statement and the Statement of Convictions were approved in 2004.  The Vision Statement was approved in 2014.)

Charism

The Charism of the University of St. Thomas: All for the Common Good

The Charism is embedded in the Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Statement of Convictions that guide our work and life together.

Our Charism is grounded on the vision of Archbishop Ireland, the intellectual rigor expressed in the work of St. Thomas Aquinas, and the moral guidance of Catholic Intellectual Tradition, all of which, like our present mission, are inspired by Catholic Social Teaching. These sources help us to articulate our impact on the lives of students and our contributions to the broader community.

Read more about the Charism of St. Thomas