Previous Mission Statement
New Mission
Statement
Speakers' Commentary
Dr. Rich Becherer
Dr. Ron Cox
Dr. Debbie Ingram
Dr. Wilfred McClay
Dr. Mark Mendenhall
Dr. Gail M. Meyer
Dr. Irven Resnick
Dr. David Sachsman
Dr. James Tucker
Dr. Kim Wheetley
Dr. Michael Whittle
Review Session Summaries
September 20, 2001
September 26, 2001
Previous Mission Statement
The mission of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is the education of students: to assist in the enlightening and disciplining of their minds and their preparation for ethical and active leadership in civic, cultural, and professional life. To achieve this mission, the University engages in the complementary and mutually supportive activities of teaching, research, and service.
The University combines the advantages of a strong private tradition with those of a state-assisted institution. Dedicated to providing quality education to a diverse population of over 8,100 students, UTC seeks to meet its responsibilities as an emerging metropolitan university, actively involved with regional municipalities, schools, business, and industry and offering expanded instructional opportunities that respond to area needs. The Universityıs ability to fulfill this role is enhanced by continuing support from its alumni, community, and the University of Chattanooga Foundation, a public, nonprofit organization which administers most of UTC's private endowment.
The hallmark of the University is outstanding teaching by a talented and committed faculty. Full-time and qualified adjunct faculty rather than graduate students teach all classes. Small classes, personalized advising, and frequent opportunities to interact with faculty provide a student-oriented learning experience.
Research is a priority for the campus. Effective teaching and faculty involvement in scholarship, research, and creative activities are interdependent. These activities foster the intellectual growth of the faculty, provide students with opportunities to participate in the development and application of new knowledge, and enhance the regionıs growth. The Center of Excellence for Computer Applications already has enhanced many multidisciplinary initiatives. A program of well-endowed chairs, (including a significant number of Chairs of Excellence), professorships, and centers builds upon a tradition of faculty research.
The University's programs provide both a firm grounding in the liberal arts and strong professional preparation. Bachelorıs degrees are offered in the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, human services, nursing, and physical therapy. Masterıs degrees are offered in business, computer science, criminal justice, education, engineering, English, music, nursing, psychology, and public administration. UTC will develop new programs at the masterıs level to meet emerging community needs. UTC may develop selected doctoral programs, in areas of existing strength, that meet regional and national needs.
Education at UTC goes beyond the traditional classroom and laboratory as befits an institution where service is also a high priority. UTC faculty members will continue to bring their professional expertise to bear on the concerns of the larger community. Moreover, the University takes advantage of its metropolitan location to provide firsthand learning experiences to students through career-related work experience. Innovative programs such as Brock Scholars and Honors serve exceptionally talented students. Off campus, the University offers credit and noncredit instruction for professional and intellectual development, extending its educational mission to an even broader range of citizens.
As UTC looks to its future and the emerging needs of the metropolitan region, it will continue its commitment to quality education, excellent research, and dedicated service.
As it pursues all activities in support of its mission, the University is committed to affirmative action and other programs which contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of the campus.