III. Texas State Mission, Goals, and Initiatives
The mission statement serves as a clear link to strategic planning, illustrates to external audiences our unique place among public universities, and reaffirms our university identity. This approved mission statement, along with our shared values, remain in effect throughout the six-year planning cycle.
Our Mission*
Texas State University is a public, student-centered research institution dedicated to excellence, discovery, and innovation. We create new knowledge, embrace a diversity of people and ideas, foster cultural and economic development, and educate our students to participate fully and freely in the communities of Texas, the nation, and the world.
Our Shared Values:
In pursuing our mission, we, the faculty, staff, and students of Texas State University, are guided by a shared collection of values:
- Teaching and learning based on research, student needs, and the free exchange of ideas in a supportive environment;
- Research and creative activities that encompass the full range of academic disciplines;
- Meaningful student engagement built on active involvement, accessibility, and intentional educational experiences;
- The cultivation of university community that consistently practices integrity, civility, compassion, and respect;
- A shared commitment to creating a sense of belonging across unique communities, identities, ideas, and contributions;
- A welcoming spirit and a global perspective;
- Dedication to service and leadership for the public good;
- Responsible stewardship of our resources and environment; and
- Continued reflection and evaluation to ensure that our strengths always benefit those we serve locally and globally.
* Approved by the President’s Cabinet on August 14, 2023.
2023-2029 UNIVERSITY GOALS AND INITIATIVES
The university goals and related initiatives outlined below reflect the Texas State philosophy that a successful university plan must be driven by the academic endeavor to enable students to succeed. The success of the plan is also dependent on the ability of all divisions to support that endeavor. A broad range of initiatives are implemented and regularly assessed to determine progress made toward achieving the university goals. Additional goals and associated initiatives are contained throughout division and college plans that also assist in achieving overall university goals.
SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS
By crafting intentional collegiate experiences that engage, serve, and support our diverse student population in pursuit of academic and post-graduation goals to meet ambitious new student retention and success targets.
Related Initiatives
- Expand efforts supporting academic preparedness and excellence
- Strengthen student engagement, sense of belonging, and wellbeing
- Increase support for graduate students
- Enhance career and post-graduation success
- Build student success infrastructure
ADVANCING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
By addressing key drivers of academic excellence including increasing enrollments, offering new and redesigned academic programs that fulfill critical needs and promote student success and career readiness, enhancing graduate education and comprehensive internationalization, and recruiting and retaining a talented, diverse, and motivated faculty. Academic excellence is foundational to Texas State University’s impact, reputation, and contributions, including to the state’s plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas.
Related Initiatives
- Increase enrollment at all levels with emphasis on international, transfer, online, and graduate students
- Offer new and innovative academic programs that meet the economic and cultural needs of the state
- Expand degree programs and infrastructure to increase enrollment on the Round Rock Campus
- Invest in faculty excellence by increasing the capacity and development of all faculty
EXPANDING DISCOVERY, INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, AND RESEARCH
By advancing research excellence as measured by national standards by supporting and growing research, scholarship, creative activity, innovation, and discovery that impact the state, nation, and world.
Related Initiatives
- Position Texas State University to achieve Carnegie R1 status
- Target and secure multi-year and multi-million dollar awards to increase and diversify the university’s research portfolio
- Enhance the intellectual property (IP) portfolio and commercialization efforts
- Build relationships with private sector, industry, government, and educational partners
ENRICHING COMMUNITY, COLLABORATION, AND PARTNERSHIPS
By engaging collaboratively with external partners to advance the university, creating a welcoming environment, and raising awareness of the university’s many and varied achievements.
Related Initiatives
- Enhance the regional, national, and international reputation of the university
- Build community relations, collaborations, and partnerships with external stakeholders
- Increase engagement activities and programs that promote a welcoming community and a sense of belonging
DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESOURCES
By supporting our people in safely and boldly pursuing the university’s strategic success through diligent stewardship of facilities, services, infrastructure, programs, and resources.
Related Initiatives
- Position Texas State University as an employer of choice
- Provide infrastructure befitting a Carnegie R1 university
- Simplify administrative processes to increase efficiency
- Pursue innovative approaches to revenue generation and budgeting