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.