Mission and Values

Mission: Who We Are

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

Mission, Values & Strategic Plan

Vision

Friends University will provide excellent learning experiences, nationally recognized programs, and a focus on transformative education that places a special value on each person, cultivating a new generation of Christ-like leaders.

Our Values

Values: RISE

Core values are ideals shared by the Friends community, influencing our behaviors and attitudes:

Respect

Integrity, civility in our words and actions, regard for others.

Inclusion

A spirit of cooperation and equality.

Service

A commitment to servant leadership, caring for each other and our community.

Excellence

Giving our best to our students at all times, that we may truly walk in the light of our faith.

What We Believe

As a Christian University of Quaker heritage, the University looks to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as a model and example of conduct for members of our community. We believe that we are called to “live as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6), “follow God’s example,” (Eph. 5:1-2), and as His friends, love one another in the name of Jesus (John 15:12-17).

While the University community includes persons of various faiths, the University holds to the following Christian beliefs:

  • The Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God
  • Human beings were created by God, in His likeness and image, and thus have inherent dignity
  • This is God’s world, and we are stewards of His resources
  • There is one God, externally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
  • In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His death on the cross as the only sacrifice sufficient for our salvation, in His bodily resurrection, and in His personal return in power and glory
  • In the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by who’s indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life
  • In the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ

What is Friends University?

  • A place where a Christian liberal arts education opens a pathway to a profession
  • A place that values the development of the whole person, seeing the image of God in everyone
  • A place that encourages the exploration of personal, ethical, religious and professional values and aspires to make the Christian faith central to all that we do
  • A place that emphasizes it strengths, including a reputation for service, justice and nationally recognized programs
  • A place where students are enabled to live a life of hope and future as a friend of Jesus