Statement of Purpose
Roanoke College is dedicated to educating men and women
in high standards of scholarship to prepare them for
responsible lives of learning, service, and leadership. In
pursuing this goal, the College is committed to an integrative
approach to education that strives to balance intellectual,
ethical, spiritual, and personal growth.
The College pursues its mission through an innovative
curriculum that includes a cohesive core of liberal arts as well
as specialized, career-oriented programs of study. Students are
encouraged to develop the habits of mind, aesthetic
appreciation, and cultural awareness needed to thrive in a
global society. Moreover, the College provides opportunities
for students to take part in community service, to engage in
ethical and social issues, to participate in religious life, and to
further their physical and social well-being.
The College supports its mission by ensuring excellent
teaching, providing for communal activities and residence life,
and maintaining an attractive campus in the Blue Ridge
Mountains. Founded by Lutherans in 1842, Roanoke College
welcomes and reflects a variety of religious traditions.The
College honors its Christian heritage and its partnership with
the Lutheran church by nurturing a dialogue between faith
and reason. In keeping with its history and mission, the
College strives to be a diverse community, nationally and
internationally, and is committed to seeking new ways to
serve its students and community.