Mission 

Upon its founding in 1847, the University of Iowa was entrusted by the state legislature with a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service. In pursuing that mission today, the university 

  • provides exceptional teaching and transformative educational experiences that prepare students for success and fulfillment in an increasingly diverse and global environment;  

  • advances scholarly and creative endeavor through leading-edge research and artistic production; and 

  • brings learning and discovery into the service of the people of the state of Iowa, the nation, and the world, improving lives through education, health care, arts and culture, and community and economic vitality. 

Vision 

The University of Iowa will be the destination of first choice for a diverse and talented body of students, faculty, and staff, who will craft new chapters of exploration, discovery, creation, and engagement.  Together, we will advance the university’s standing as one of the most distinguished public universities in the country. 

Core Values 

Our core values frame both who we are and who we aspire to be as a university community.  As we plan, set priorities, and make daily decisions about how to carry out our mission, we are guided by these five interdependent commitments: 

Creativity

We discover new ways to see the world and make it better.  

We are dedicated to pursuing new knowledge and artistic creation and using those discoveries to have a transformative impact on our state and in our local, national, and global communities.

Community

We are committed to collaboration and active engagement.  

We value the contributions of every individual, while recognizing that our greatest successes come when we work together toward creative contributions—often across disciplines and departments, and often with community partners.

Excellence

We expect the best from ourselves in all that we do. 

We measure ourselves by exacting standards, honor high aspiration and achievement, and expect all members of the university community to strive for excellence. 

Inclusion

We affirm and celebrate all backgrounds and identities. 

We achieve excellence by attracting and retaining a diverse, talented population of students, faculty, and staff, and building a welcoming and accessible environment in which individuals feel valued and respected and have the opportunity to thrive. 

Integrity

We are honest, fair, respectful, and ethical. 

We hold ourselves to the highest standard of professional and scholarly ethics, are accountable for our decisions and actions, exercise responsible stewardship of the resources with which we are entrusted, and treat one another with honesty and fairness. 

Download the Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 (PDF)

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