Preamble

Agriculture is a complex biological, economic, cultural, and political system which involves the interaction of people, animals, plants, and other natural resources. The College of Agricultural Sciences represents the diversity of that system with programs in agricultural sciences, production technology, business and management, public policy and economic development, education and information, environmental quality and enhancement, recreation, and food and fiber utilization.

Vision

The College of Agricultural Sciences is committed to providing students with an excellent education and an outstanding collegiate experience; generating and disseminating knowledge, information, and technology that improves access to nutrition, fiber and recreation; emphasizing the responsibilities of global citizenship and sustaining ecological systems; improving understanding of and support for agriculture; providing specific benefits for southern Illinois; and enhancing the quality of life of all people.

Mission

The College of Agricultural Sciences provides quality education resulting in skilled, knowledgeable, and adaptable graduates who assume leadership roles in their professions and society. This is accomplished through an educational process which:

• emphasizes mastery of an appropriate body of knowledge

• adapts programs of study to meet the needs of individual students

• integrates theory and practice by emphasizing a problem solving approach, utilizing unique resources of the university and the southern Illinois region, and promoting internships and/or work experience

• promotes an atmosphere of discovery and a dynamic, progressive curriculum enhanced by research, service, and outreach activities

• stresses development of communication skills

• relies on accessible faculty for interaction and advisement

• offers opportunities to participate in and develop leadership skills through a broad array of extracurricular activities

• prepares students for life-long learning

The College of Agricultural Sciences conducts an interactive research, service, and outreach program which:

• provides quality graduate education in scientific inquiry

• provides new scientific knowledge, information, and technology that have regional, national, and/or international application

• develops around regional opportunities, with particular emphasis on problem solving and sustainability of systems

• educates the general public about agriculture