Athens State University (ASU) has a clearly defined, comprehensive, and published mission statement that is specific to the unique status of the institution as the only upper-division university in the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). The ASU mission statement reflects the primary commitment of the institution to serve ACCS transfer students and reflects the mission of the ACCS in providing a quality academic education for all ASU students. The mission statement appears on the University website, and is also included in the institution’s primary publications, such as the University Catalog, the Student Handbook, the Employee Handbook, and the ASU Annual Reports (2007, 2008).

The ASU mission statement stresses the institution’s emphasis on teaching and learning, an emphasis which is further reflected in the institutional goals. While research is not a part of the primary mission of the institution, the institution strives to provide appropriate learning resources that support quality teaching and the advancement of knowledge, and which promote diversity and lifelong learning. The focus of the mission on teaching and learning is further demonstrated by the institution’s objective to provide students with a variety of course formats and options that respond to the needs of students.

The mission statement also defines the importance of continuing education to the institution. Through affiliations with a variety of organizations, Athens State University provides resources that support the continuing education of local teachers. The institution also sponsors and supports programs that stimulate cultural and intellectual enrichment in the community, consistent with the institution’s mission pertaining to community service.

The ASU mission statement is clearly appropriate to an institution of higher education in that it stresses the institution’s commitment to preparing students for post-baccalaureate study and successful professional careers. Furthermore, the mission statement stresses the institutional philosophy that learning is a lifelong endeavor. Lastly, the approval by the Alabama State Board of Education in July 2005 of the revised ASU mission statement clarifies and reaffirms the mission statement’s appropriateness to an institution of higher education.