Renew 2028

Our Mission

The University of Saint Francis offers formation of the whole person by providing an encounter with the heart and mind of Jesus Christ so that God, who is Love, may be loved. Through our Catholic identity, Franciscan charism, and liberal arts tradition, we prepare students for personal and professional lives of virtue, service, and joy.

The Renew 2028 Strategic Plan aligns with
a renewed mission of the University of Saint
Francis. The mission defines the university’s
work to educate students for personal and
professional lives of virtue, service, and joy
within the founding sponsors’ fundamental
purpose,

That God, who is Love, may be loved.

Catholic Identity

The university’s Catholic identity is the foundation of its existence and informs daily operations, serving as the basis for its mission, culture, policies, practices, decision-making and strategic planning.


Common Good

Decisions are made with a view to the good of the whole university community to best fulfill its mission.


Operational Excellence

University decision-making prioritizes carrying out our mission through high-quality academic and co-curricular programming underlaid by good financial stewardship and a culture of formation and service.

Ceaseless Adoration

We adore God and interact with others in a way that honors His Presence.


Generous Love

We spend time in community, give of ourselves and accept help from others.


Franciscan Joy

We delight in the simple things and give thanks in all circumstances.

I. Become a Midwest destination
for Catholic higher education

Articulate the mission of the university to become a Midwest destination for Catholic higher education.


II. Form graduates committed to professional excellence, spiritual growth and service to others

Deliver professional and liberal arts programs distinguished by innovation and academic rigor, and inspired by a Catholic worldview and Franciscan charism. Programs will also align to student demand and employer needs to form graduates committed to professional excellence, spiritual growth and service to others.


III. Cultivate a vibrant and relational
environment that supports learning
and human development

Create a vibrant and relational environment (physical, cultural, religious and intellectual) that supports learning and human development through the university’s Catholic mission and Franciscan charism.


IV. Create a thriving workplace
and institutional excellence

Strengthen organizational and financial health by improving operational, business, communication and internal processes to create a culture that prioritizes students, a thriving workplace and institutional excellence.


V. Generate new philanthropic resources

Generate new resources by identifying and cultivating donors committed to achieving these goals and realizing this vision.