Our mission 

The College of Arts and Science at Mizzou is dedicated to teaching critical thinking and creativity to our students. We are committed to researching the challenges we face to find evidence-based solutions and to enriching the world through creative work. We have the vast range of expertise that turns ideas into reality and where experiential learning and innovation flourish. As the largest college at the University of Missouri, an AAU, public, land grant institution, we serve our state and nation by educating Mizzou students, advancing research and creative work, and engaging Missouri and beyond.

Champion student success 

Our purpose is to prepare students for endless possibilities. Because of the College of Arts and Science’s breadth and depth of academic expertise, our students learn to think deeply and better understand the world around them. To do this, we connect our students with knowledge and guide them to their post-graduation goals. We are committed to a comprehensive approach to undergraduate and graduate student success, starting with recruitment, through their academic studies and into the many opportunities that await them following graduation. 

Provide expert instruction 

Our commitment to student success is demonstrated by our effective teaching and learning strategies. The College of Arts and Science is a place where students learn to research, analyze, and then effectively communicate about their learning to advance their academic journeys into their lives and careers. We are home to knowledgeable experts who use evidence-based approaches in their teaching through distinct, discipline-specific pedagogies. Our faculty’s impact is felt deeply in our college and throughout the larger campus community. 

Grow and promote the impact of research and creative work 

We are committed to discovery and excellence in our research and creative work. Because of our wide range of expertise in the College of Arts and Science and our strong cross-campus connections, we are a catalyst for collaborations with big impact. Our land grant mission ensures we are bringing discovery and creativity to our broader community to transform the lives of Missourians and beyond.

Strengthen community engagement and outreach

Using our strengths in teaching, research, and creative work, we are partnering with communities to help meet their needs and interests. We contribute in ways that highlight our collaborative and interdisciplinary culture. The meaningful, collaborative engagement of our faculty, staff, and students enhances the communities we serve, attracts new students and supporters to our campus, and broadly promotes health and well-being.

Strengthen employee culture 

To meet the distinct goals of our strategic plan, we must focus on our people – the faculty, staff, and students who are contributing to our research, teaching and service mission in alignment with the University of Missouri’s values of Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, and Excellence. We are committed to a healthy, supportive, and inclusive environment where all members of the College of Arts and Science team are valued, can achieve their goals, and thrive.

Progress updates and highlights 

University of Missouri strategic plan 

As a comprehensive research university, we are privileged to extend our research, learning, engagement and economic development beyond our campus. Our mission starts here but our impact is global. 

Our plan embodies our commitment to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the larger community. In this commitment is our recognition that while we are the University of Missouri, we are really the University for Missouri.

Mizzou strategic plan