Mission, Core Values, Vision Statement, and Strategic Goals

Mission

West Liberty University, established in 1837, was the first institution of higher education in West Virginia. Today, we are a dynamic, inclusive, student-centered community that cultivates scholarly exploration, experiential learning, creative expression, and global citizenship.

WLU is a public university committed to providing students with a comprehensive education from undergraduate to advanced degrees while serving as the region’s leading advocate for the arts, education, research, and economic opportunity.

Core Values

1. Affordability
2. Caring
3. Diversity
4. Excellence
5. Innovation
6. Respect

Vision Statement

WLU aspires to be a model of innovative, inclusive, and transformational education accessible to all and that positively impacts society.

Strategic Goals

I. Demonstrating Academic Success

We aim for West Liberty University to be nationally recognized as a dynamic destination for academic excellence, an institution that encourages scholarly exploration, experiential learning, creative
expression, and global citizenship across degree levels and disciplines. West Liberty University will demonstrate academic excellence by implementing the following strategic initiatives:

1.1 Attract and retain students at every level—traditional age and adult, transfer and first-year,
      graduate, and non-degree-seeking.
1.2 Attract and retain an outstanding and diverse faculty.
1.3 Pursue innovative, viable, and relevant program development.
1.4 Develop high-impact practices for learners through a range of innovative learning platforms.
1.5 Foster a vibrant co-curriculum that addresses the whole student experience.
1.6 Increase the number of students exemplifying academic excellence through enrollment,
              retention, and graduation rates.
1.7 Affirm and expand national, regional, and specialized accreditations
1.8 Pursue continuous improvement through consistent, data-driven assessment and analyses of
               student learning.

II. Cultivating Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

We will cultivate an environment that supports an equitable, inclusive, and diverse population. West Liberty University will cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion by implementing the following
strategic initiatives:

2.1 Develop and implement ongoing D.E.I. workshops.
2.2 Establish recruitment initiatives that target diverse student populations.
2.3 Create retention strategies that support a diverse student community.
2.4 Provide programs that build and strengthen inclusive teamwork.

III. Building an Innovative Student Experience

We work to create a vibrant and engaged student experience, no matter where or how students attend West Liberty University—undergraduate or graduate, residential or commuter, online or on campus. West Liberty University will build an innovative student experience by implementing the following strategic initiatives:

3.1 Engage students in experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
3.2 Develop a student culture that fosters a true sense of belonging.
3.3 Provide holistic support for the whole student experience—financial, wellbeing, career, and
              physical support.
3.4 Provide resources that foster an innovative, safe, and nurturing student experience.

IV: Enhancing Community Engagement

We envision WLU as a regional, national, and global leader in preparing a diverse student population to be impactful in society. West Liberty University will enhance community engagement by implementing the following strategic initiatives:

4.1 Sustain and grow the university’s image as a leader in the region by effectively telling our story.
4.2 Provide services and learning opportunities for all on- and off-campus constituencies.
4.3 Create, expand, facilitate, and sustain dynamic partnerships and relationships that serve all
stakeholders.
4.4 Enhance communication practices to strengthen our brand and share information.

V. Strengthening Operational & Financial Excellence

We see WLU as a future oriented institution, rooted in a successful past, pursuing continuing excellence with a strong workforce. West Liberty University will strengthen operational and financial excellence by implementing the following strategic initiatives:

5.1 Support the university mission through solid business decisions and ongoing campus
              maintenance
5.2 Provide an outcome-driven culture with accurate data, best practices, and feedback
5.3 Develop an efficient business climate of ongoing employee evaluations, while offering learning
              and professional development opportunities
5.4 Continue to enhance technology to meet the changing needs of the University
5.5 Strengthen collaborations with the West Liberty University’s Foundation and other donor
      prospects
5.6 Comply with local and state regulations for efficiency in finances