Truman State University is committed to the
advancement of knowledge, to freedom of thought and inquiry, and to the
personal, social, and intellectual growth of its students. The university
strives to identify and maintain a recognized standard of excellence in all of
its educational activities.
The mission of Truman State University is to offer an exemplary undergraduate
education, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences as well as selected
pre-professional, professional, and master's level programs that grow naturally
out of the philosophy, values, content, and desired outcomes of a liberal arts
education.
The highest goals of a liberal arts education are to ignite the individual's
curiosity about the natural and social universe and then aid him or her in
developing the skills and personal resources to channel knowledge into
productive, satisfying activity.
In pursuing these goals, the university seeks
to cultivate in its students:
intellectual integrity, tolerance of difference and diversity, informed ethical
values, and courageous aspiration toward the best for oneself, one's family,
one's society, and the world; a sense of the joys and uses of creative and
critical thought, including skills of intellectual problem-solving through
effective reading and research, clear writing, and articulate speech; the
willingness and ability to exercise personal and intellectual leadership in his
or her chosen field of endeavor.
The university will achieve its mission through emphasizing and supporting
excellence in teaching, in pure and applied research, and in public service
consistent with the educational emphases and goals of the university. In
fulfilling this mission, Truman State University recognizes its duty to:
maintain a living and learning environment that will attract and challenge
outstanding students; prepare its students to succeed in rigorous professional
and graduate programs; provide a physical environment and support services that
will help members of the university achieve their educational goals and enhance
their social and physical development and that will further serve as a source of
pride to the university, the alumni, the community, and the state; offer
services to the community, the region, and the state in the areas of research
and public service that are natural outgrowths of the academic mission of the
university, and strive to ensure that the university serves as a cultural
resource for the broader community of which it is an integral part; develop and
maintain sources of public and private support and merit such continued support
through public accountability for the quality of its programs and resources;
provide appropriate encouragement and recognition of each member of the
university community who contributes to the fulfillment of the university's
goals.
Why get a graduate degree from Truman State University?
Founded in 1867, Truman State University has a long history of being recognized nationally for its innovative assessment program and commitment to providing a high-quality liberal arts and sciences education at an affordable price. U.S. News & World Report this year recognized Truman, for the 5th year in a row, as the number one public university in the Midwest, as well as the 7th best university in the Midwest. Truman is the only public university in Missouri to appear on their top 15 listing. Money magazine has also recognized Truman, for five consecutive years, as one of the nation's top ten best educational values. Truman is Missouri's premier statewide public liberal arts and sciences university.
Truman State University is also the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri. This council consists of schools that "have been recognized nationally as outstanding in many diverse ways, including small classes, innovations in teaching, personal interactions with faculty, opportunities for faculty-supervised research and supportive atmospheres."
With a population of approximately 17,000, the
city of Kirksville offers a safe
and friendly environment that is intertwined with many advantages of a larger
city. Truman students enjoy spending their free time at Kirkville’s brand new
Downtown Cinema 8, or the new community Aquatic Center, featuring a 6-lane
indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and an incredible waterslide. You will also find
Truman students enjoying the outdoors at Thousand Hills State Park. This 3,252
acre park just 2 miles west of Kirksville offers many recreational activities
including camping, hiking, biking, swimming, motor boating, sailing, water
skiing, and fishing.
As a part of the Kirksville community, you will be a part of a variety of
cultures, nationalities, interests, talents, abilities, values and experiences.
Regardless of where you come from you will find a comfortable blend of social,
economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds at Truman. It is our hope that as a
part of your Truman experience you will open your mind to the arts, to different
cultures, and to new experiences. The cultural events on and off campus will
broaden your horizons by exposing you to new viewpoints. Whether it is a
production by the Truman Theatre Department, a Blues Festival at the local Round
Barn, a speaker presented by the Distinguished Visiting Scholars Program, or a
volunteer project within the community, cultural opportunities at Truman abound.