Vision

We aspire to be the best public regional university in the South.

Mission Statement

As a community of learners committed to individual achievement, our mission is to:

• Educate students for success in a global environment;
• Engage in scholarship;
• Promote diversity of people and ideas; and
• Serve our communities to improve the quality of life. 

Essential Characteristics of an MSU Educational Experience 

• Excellent undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences and professional programs• High quality graduate programs in selected areas
• Strong commitment to student access, affordability and safety
• Personalized environment with quality faculty as mentors and teachers
• Strong commitment to engage undergraduate students in faculty research, outreach and service opportunities
• Support for diverse arts and cultural programs
• Strong commitment to a quality enhancement plan that focuses on improvements in communication and critical thinking
• Resolute commitment to fostering a campus culture that cultivates and celebrates diversity• High placement rates of students applying to professional programs
• A learning environment supported with robust technology
• Strong commitment to co-curricular activities that provide recreational opportunities, learning opportunities and contribute to student development
• Support for NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic programs
• Strong commitment to health and wellness programs for students, faculty and staff
• Strong commitment to community partnerships that provide learning opportunities for students, faculty and staff 

Core Values 

We strive to exemplify these core values: 

• Commitment to SCHOLARSHIP, LEARNING, SERVICE and COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT is embraced;
• EXCELLENCE is achieved through TEAMWORK, LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION, ACCOUNTABILITY and SHARED RESPONSIBILITY;
• DIVERSITY of people and thought is valued and celebrated and;• HONESTY, INTEGRITY and TRUST will direct all that we do.