Ever Press Forward through Innovation
We will innovate, grow and excel in ways that align with our educational mission and vision to provide relevant and continuous learning for Tommie leaders of today and tomorrow.
St. Thomas is a nimble but comprehensive university with a breadth of undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Our undergraduate programs are built on a rigorous and relevant liberal arts foundation, anchored in the College of Arts and Sciences. Our mission-driven graduate and professional programs educate leaders who help move their professions and society forward. All of our programs are bolstered by the teaching excellence of our faculty and provide relevant knowledge and skills that put theory into practice to meet challenges of the times.
In the next five years, St. Thomas will offer new world-class educational experiences that meet the needs of an ever-changing world. In the increasingly competitive higher education market, we will increase the value of a St. Thomas degree by pursuing new degree and non-degree programs while adapting and transitioning others.
Community Input
The St. Thomas community responded that we must perform in at a high level in order to be a world class University. St. Thomas must be effective – the quality of instruction, the meaning of our message, and the results of a St. Thomas education must be distinctive and significant.
St. Thomas must be welcoming – students, faculty and other members of our community must feel like this is a place they belong, are accepted, and are treated in a manner that makes them what to come to and stay at St. Thomas. Members of our community should be able to live a balanced, fulfilling life while engaged on our campus and beyond.
St. Thomas must be affordable – students must be able to meet the costs of attending and receive a competitive return on their investment. The quality of instruction, the meaning of our message, and the results of a St. Thomas education must be distinctive and significant.
At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, the important connection between professions and humanities needs to be better communicated and explained – perhaps with data – and also made explicit in learning objectives. We need to nurture partnerships with alumni, business and other external organizations to make practical skills easy to develop.