University Mission, Vision and Values

Community: The University of Central Missouri is committed to developing a caring community that consciously works to foster an atmosphere where responsibility, collaboration, communication and respect thrive. UCM embeds and cultivates a culture of exemplary citizenship, a commitment to civic responsibility, a sense of global awareness and an appreciation for human diversity at all levels in all its manifestations.

Diversity: The University of Central Missouri strives to create an atmosphere where all individuals feel welcomed and valued, and where the expression of different ideas from myriad perspectives contributes to learning that is multi-faceted and transformative. UCM encourages inclusion and respect of individuals with differing values, ideas, beliefs, abilities, life experiences and backgrounds. UCM advocates for principles and actions that support equity and inclusivity and understands that building unity within our various populations is a critical and foundational component of who we are.

Excellence: Striving for excellence is the creative catalyst of what we do at the university, both collectively and as individuals. This aspirational mindset drives the university’s evaluation of our own efforts thereby creating an institutional engine of continuous improvement. UCM recognizes this process encourages the development of curriculum and delivery methods that are both innovative and inspirational. This philosophy is integral to sustaining a culture of excellence in academics, scholarly activity and service.

Learning: The University of Central Missouri is student focused. The university is dedicated to providing an educational experience rooted in a tradition of academic rigor while engaging our students in learning opportunities that are both dynamic and transformative. UCM is committed to educating students who are citizens of Missouri, the nation and the world through future-focused academics delivered by qualified, devoted faculty. The university educates the student as a whole person with an emphasis on continuous learning, preparing them to become lifelong learners and leaders, able to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing society.

Opportunity: The University of Central Missouri believes in creating and offering experiences inside and outside the classroom to develop leadership characteristics, skill sets and knowledge that lead to career advancement and quality of life improvements. The university strives to provide a high-quality, affordable education that enables students to access opportunity and enhance their economic mobility. UCM encourages and supports students in making decisions today that place tomorrow’s opportunities within reach.

Service: With the motto, “Education for Service,” the University of Central Missouri embraces opportunities for the UCM community to develop and exhibit characteristics of responsibility and civic engagement. The university is committed to engaging with our broader community as servant leaders. While UCM incorporates opportunities for students to engage in service through classroom and extracurricular experiences, the university works toward the betterment of our world.