The Mountain is both a catalyst and a crucible. It is a catalyst that emboldens us not only to find our own way but also to bring others along. It is a crucible of mind, heart, and place out of which is forged an experience that calls us to make a difference in the world.

Mind | Heart | Place

The University of the South moves confidently into the coming decades based on a renewed educational approach that draws on our past and looks to the future. Our strategic plan builds upon a rich liberal arts and theological education tradition that explores enduring questions of humanity infused with practical engagement that prepares our graduates for lives of integrity, service, and leadership.

Introducing the Plan

Elevating Mind, Heart, and Place

In keeping with its educational mission and tradition, the University of the South has developed this strategic plan with a clear focus on students. To that end, two underlying objectives animate our strategic plan:

  • providing a comprehensive curricular offering that will sustain our attractiveness to a larger number of high-caliber students; and,
  • preparing students for lives of service and leadership so they will become active citizens contributing to democracy at home and the resolution of challenges around the world.

Achieving these twin goals will elevate our standing in the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education.

Review the Plan

Download the Plan

The content of the University's strategic plan is presented on the pages of this website. For your convenience, Elevating Mind, Heart, and Place is also presented in two downloadable pdfs—a summary that covers the highlights of goal and strategy and the full version including all the background and details.

The Planning Process

How we Got here

Learn about the work of the of the Steering Committee and Pillar Groups and see a timeline of the planning process.

Three strategic pillars: Mind | Heart | Place

Mind
Renew and Enhance the Curriculum

Equipping our graduates with the knowledge, skills, and powers of discernment to greet the opportunities and to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.

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Heart
Enhance Student Formation and Leadership Development

Embracing our responsibility for character development, moral leadership, and the advancement of equity and social justice on campus, across the country, and around the world.

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Place
Become a Model of Inclusive Community and Environmental Stewardship

Realizing the full potential of the Domain—our laboratory, playground, and sanctuary—to create more opportunities to learn, explore, and reflect, leading in matters of the environment.

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