Athens State University (ASU) is the only upper-division university in the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). The current mission and goals accurately reflect the unique status of the University and its primary mission to serve ACCS transfer students and students transferring from other accredited institutions. All functions of the University are developed in accordance with the University’s mission and goals. Instructional programs are compatible with the institution’s primary mission in that each program is designed to seamlessly incorporate academic credit earned by students at ACCS and other accredited institutions into the requirements for the particular degree program. Course delivery methods are designed to achieve the University goal of ensuring the maximum flexibility for students. The focus of student support services is also driven by the University’s mission and organization.

The current mission statement represents a June 7, 2005 revision by the Planning Council and subsequent approval by the State Board of Education in July of 2005. In addition, the first institutional goal was revised and approved by the Planning Council on April 30, 2008. In April 2009, under the leadership and guidance of the President, Athens State launched Vision 2020, a university-wide initiative to develop a new long-range vision for the University. This initiative eliminated the role of the Planning Council since the Vision 2020 Committee would now serve as the new planning body of the institution. Upon its completion in October 2010, the Master Plan developed by the Vision 2020 Committee will substitute for the Long Range Plan and will become the basic reference point for major decisions by the President and other University leaders. Changes in the University mission and goals can be expected with the implementation of Vision 2020.

The institution communicates its mission statement and goals in a consistent manner to all constituencies. The mission statement and institutional goals may be found in: the University Catalog (2009-2010), the Athens State University website, the 2009-2010 Student Handbook and Planner, and the Employee Handbook.