Lincoln University Established 1866

Mission

Lincoln University is an 1890 land-grant, comprehensive institution which is part of the Missouri state system of higher education. Founded in 1866 through the cooperative efforts of the enlisted men and officers of the 62nd and 65th Colored Infantries, the institution was designed to meet the educational and social needs of freed African-Americans. While remaining committed to this purpose, the University will continue to offer comprehensive services to a diverse body of traditional and non-traditional students with a broad range of academic preparation and skills. This expansion of the historical mission to embrace a diverse student population embodies the unique purpose that Lincoln University fulfills among the state colleges and universities. 

In recognition of its statewide mission and its adherence to an open admissions policy, the University is committed to providing quality education and living/learning opportunities that are unique and beneficial to the citizens of Missouri and to persons from other states and nations. To this end, the University is dedicated to offering a variety of undergraduate programs, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, and graduate programs in selected disciplines that prepare students for success in careers and lifelong learning. 

Consistent with its heritage and with the demands of an emerging global society, the University recognizes that effective education combines both curricular and extracurricular activities designed to foster the development of the total person. Accordingly, Lincoln University is committed to instill in its students the desire to learn; to increase the knowledge of their social and ethical responsibility; to develop an appreciation for and understanding of the arts and humanities; to cultivate their ability to think logically and critically; to prepare them to work effectively and confidently in their chosen careers; and to develop their respect for individual differences as a prerequisite for prospering in a pluralistic society. 

Role and Scope

Lincoln University specializes in meeting the needs of a diverse student population in terms of age, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic background. As an historically black institution, particular attention continues to be given to African-American students from both within and outside Missouri. The University also provides academic, personal, and social programs and services that are commensurate with the needs of the diverse population which it serves. In this regard, an array of unique, as well as standard, educational and support services is provided. In addition, the University provides opportunities for non-traditional students to participate in educational activities held at on- and off-campus sites. 

Lincoln University maintains that higher education is both a right and a privilege. In this context, all in-state students earning a high school diploma or its equivalent are considered to be eligible for admission as undergraduate students. Students who complete at least the minimum high school core curriculum required for entry into the University will be admitted without any academic preconditions. All other students will be admitted on a conditional basis. Persons from out-of-state, those who transfer from other institutions of higher education, or those who are seeking graduate status will be required to meet additional admissions criteria. Several programs among the curriculum offerings of the University also have specific admissions criteria. 

While the primary emphasis of Lincoln University is to provide quality education for its students, independent research efforts and scholarly activities are important and encouraged. Such research efforts reinforce and enhance this instructional emphasis as well as all other aspects of the University mission. Public service activities of the University and its faculty, staff, and students also play an important role in the contributions that Lincoln University makes to the region and the state. In addition, the designation of Lincoln University as an 1890 land-grant institution adds a major dimension to the instructional, research, and public service activities of the University. Numerous research activities are generated and supported through programs in Cooperative Research, while the Cooperative Extension program, a part of the statewide Extension system, makes outreach and service its primary function. Aspects of these activities are further advanced and coordinated through the Office of International Programs. 

As a comprehensive University, Lincoln University offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate programs and graduate programs in selected disciplines. The liberal arts and sciences are emphasized in part through the general education curriculum that undergirds all undergraduate degree programs. The majority of credit hours generated and a significant number of degrees awarded are in the arts and sciences disciplines. However, over half of all the degrees awarded by Lincoln University are currently in Business, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Nursing Science, and Teacher Education. Most of the graduate degrees are currently awarded in the Business and Education programs. Many of these disciplines also support international activities as part of their curricular offerings. The University also provides an array of student services, some of which are basic to the needs of all students and others that are unique to the needs of persons and groups within the population. However, all services are designed to contribute to the optimum college experience and foster a climate conducive to social development. 

Vision

While preserving its history and heritage, Lincoln University continues to grow and develop, and will remain in the forefront of providing educational opportunities through: 
 
 

• advancing a sense of community while building upon the strengths and contributions of all individuals and groups. A diverse student, faculty, and staff population will be enhanced through the recruitment and retention of minority students, faculty, and staff, the development of articulation agreements with two-year colleges, and other activities. The curriculum and support services for students at all levels of preparation will reflect this goal.
• developing a number of key academic areas into centers of excellence while remaining responsive to the educational needs of the service population. The areas designated as centers of excellence will be central to the mission of Lincoln University, will clearly meet the educational demands of the service population, and will have demonstrated academic excellence and integrity.
• continually assessing the general education program to ensure its relevance to current and future educational needs.
   
• increasingly reflecting the emerging global society. This will be accomplished through continued internationalization of the curriculum, through the active recruitment and increased support of international students, and through the expanding participation in international development projects.
   

  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

• enhancing programs in continuing education through an expansion of non-credit offerings.
   

  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

• utilizing alternative modes of instructional delivery that include distance-learning and emerging technologies, such as telecommunications, multi-media options, and computer-assisted learning.
   

  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

• using its land-grant resources to complement more of the instructional programs and to enhance the relevance of the land-grant mission to contemporary society.