Mission and Values and History

Focusing on its current strengths and future potential, Oregon State University targets its teaching, research and outreach on fi ve key themes that refl ect Oregon’s needs and goals. The theme areas are:

• Understanding the origin, dynamics and sustainability of the Earth and its resources.
• Optimizing enterprise, technological change and innovation.
• Realizing the potential of the life sciences and the optimal delivery of public health services in healthy environments.
• Managing natural resources that contribute to Oregon’s quality of life, and growing and sustaining natural resources-based industries.
• Building and maintaining a strong curriculum and basic inquiry in the arts and sciences that contributes to all parts of the university.

All of these require a cooperative, multidisciplinary approach involving many people and departments at the university. This focused and compelling approach helps OSU attract and retain talented students, faculty and staff.

It is designed to help educate a new generation of students who can communicate clearly and effectively, think broadly, address and solve complex problems, and adapt to environments that are enriched by diversity and characterized by constant change.