Georgia Southern University - Archived Mission Statement
This mission statement was superseded August 2004. Current mission statement
GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY is a predominately undergraduate university devoted to "teaching first," a student-centered residential campus that nurtures a fulfilling college experience, and a serving institution strongly identified with the heritage and hopes of its region. The University's uncommon breadth of nationally accredited academic programs in the liberal arts and professional studies attracts a statewide enrollment of undergraduate students. As a University granting professionally-oriented doctoral degrees and an array of master's degrees designed to meet the needs of the region, Georgia Southern is cultivating a resident cadre of leaders with advanced education in critically-needed professions.
OUR MISSION IS ROOTED in South Georgia, a largely rural region that encompasses coastline, wetlands, cities with rich histories, and areas of endemic privation but abundant potential. Our quest is to uplift our region's educational attainment, cultural opportunities, economic growth, environmental quality, scientific and technological progress, and social and personal well-being. Our hallmark is a comprehensive university experience that promotes student growth and success through creative strategies for using technology, enhancing learning, and connecting all we do to those around us.
MOST OF OUR STUDENTS are Georgians who begin as full-time freshmen, reflect Georgia's and the globe's cultural diversity, and have the motivation and ability to complete our increasingly demanding programs. Working professionals and transfer students are a growing presence. Student life is characterized by a culture of learning inside and outside the classroom. A safe campus serves as a laboratory for developing citizenship and leadership in a collegial environment. The Georgia Southern experience promotes the development of students who value honesty, civility, and the dignity of work. Our mission is to graduate students who are knowledgeable, clear-thinking, articulate, and effective in problem-solving.
OUR COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM FOCUSES on undergraduate programs of high quality, enhanced by master's and professionally-oriented doctoral programs pertinent to the region. At the University's core is excellent instruction, strengthened by research and service. Innovative classes increasingly incorporate new instruction techniques and technologies.
THE UNIVERSITY IS A CENTER OF LEARNING APPLIED to regional planning, economic development, partnerships in schools, science, industries, international trade, community needs, and the health of South Georgians. We expand horizons through outreach in sciences and liberal arts, preservation of distinctive cultural legacies, and attention to the integrity of South Georgia's environment. Faculty, staff, and students exemplify service, contributing time and expertise to enhance the quality of life.
SCHOLARSHIP IS CENTRAL TO THE MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY. We practice scholarship in terms of the discovery, integration, application, and teaching of knowledge and creative activity. Scholarship of relevance to South Georgia, and of a standard that can earn national or international recognition, is especially esteemed.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN WILL BE one of the nation's best public undergraduate universities by nurturing a faculty who are devoted to teaching able and diverse students. We will provide society with graduates who are both equipped to master a competitive world and educated to build a better civilization. Georgia Southern exemplifies how kindness, quality, and collaboration can complement efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity. Georgia Southern University will be a catalyst for the aspirations of South Georgians and an emblem of their achievements.