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Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University

Introduction

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WELCOME TO SMSU

Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university offering a high-quality education in the liberal arts and professions to prepare you for a life that is successful both personally and professionally. SMSU has grown into a university of choice with high national rankings, producing scholars who become the leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs of the future. Students and faculty alike come here to engage in the rich "Southwest Experience," which starts with strong academics, fulfilling social opportunities and support from fellow Mustangs. We invite you to visit SMSU and to experience for yourself all that it has to offer.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Southwest Minnesota State University's mission statement:

"Southwest Minnesota State University prepares students to meet the complex challenges of this century as engaged citizens in their local and global communities. Our comprehensive degree programs, taught in the liberal arts tradition, are dedicated to connecting students' academic and practical professional development experiences in southwestern Minnesota to the wider world."

Vision statement:

"Southwest Minnesota State University is a university of choice."

SMSU upholds core values of transformational learning centered on excellence, civic and community engagement, diversity and global awareness, and environmental issues of sustainability and stewardship:

Excellence and Innovation

SMSU faculty and staff create and support a high-quality student-centered learning environment that

  • Prepares students to meet the complex challenges of this century as engaged citizens in their local and global communities;
  • Provides students with the skills and knowledge to be lifelong learners

Civic and Community Engagement

SMSU faculty and staff are engaged in and support activities that

  • Promote civic engagement opportunities that enhance SMSU's reputation as a locally, regionally, and globally-engaged institution
  • Build mutually beneficial partnerships across our region and state
  • Provide rich opportunities for learning that go beyond the traditional classroom and lab settings

Diversity and Global Awareness

SMSU faculty and staff contribute to creating an environment that celebrates the diverse and inclusive nature of the SMSU campus community as they

  • Foster cultural understanding and interactions and a welcoming and accessible campus environment for all groups
  • Provide a supportive environment for intellectual expression and civil communication by all groups

Environment, Stewardship, and Sustainability

SMSU faculty and staff are committed to being responsible stewards of our environmental and fiscal resources who

  • Facilitate a safe, accessible campus
  • Foster actions, programs, and scholarship that will lead to a sustainable future

The vision statement and core values recognize the University's emphasis on attention to student needs, promoting respect for diverse voices, and encouraging sustainable actions.

Further, the University mission aligns with its governing system's mission and strategic priorities. The Minnesota State System mission is "The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system of distinct and collaborative institutions offers higher education that meets the personal and career goals of a wide range of individual learners, enhances the quality of life for all Minnesotans and sustains vibrant economies throughout the state."

Administration

Dr. Connie J. Gores was appointed by the Minnesota State system and began her duties July 1, 2013. President Gores is the ninth permanent president of SMSU.

Accreditations

SMSU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Minnesota Board of Teaching, the Council on Social Work Education, the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602; (800) 621-7440. For more information about the Higher Learning Commission visit their website: www.ncahlc.org.

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HOME OF THE MUSTANGS

We're proud of our athletes' frequent successes as well as their Citizenship Awards and high GPAs (over 3.0). SMSU student-athletes have earned CoSIDA Academic All-America(R) honors 19 times in school history, 12 since 2009! SMSU has won 51 NSIC team, one NCAA national runner-up, three NCAA regional, and three NIWBT national championships. Four athletes have won individual national championships!

MARSHALL, MINNESOTA

Southwest Minnesota State University is located in Marshall, Minnesota, a friendly growing community of 13,000. Marshall named one of America's Best Small Cities, is an easy drive from the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Sioux Falls SD and Fargo ND. Marshall is also the proud home of Schwan's Company, Ralco Nutrition, Action TrackChair, along with major employers USBank, Archer Daniels Midland, Affiliated Community Medical Center, and Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center.

Students and faculty alike come here to engage in the rich "Southwest Experience," which starts with strong academics, fulfilling social opportunities and support from fellow Mustangs. We invite you to visit SMSU and to experience for yourself all that it has to offer. SMSU truly is where you belong!

For more information about Marshall visit: www.discoversouthwestmn.com

Locations

  • Marshall

    1501 State St, , Marshall

Programs

Questions