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Mission, Values, and Identity

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Mission Statement

Saint Leo is an inventive global Catholic Benedictine liberal arts university that fosters a personal and inclusive community that educates, prepares, and develops students for success, and consists of diverse learners who boldly confront the challenges of our world through service to others.

Saint Leo Vision Statement

A Leading Catholic Teaching University of International Consequence for the Twenty-first Century:

 

  1. A leading Catholic teaching university that attracts students, faculty, staff and philanthropic support
  2. Internationally recognized as an innovative and challenging university of demonstrated quality
  3. Alumni who are sought by employers and graduate schools and are prepared to live and work in a global society
  4. One institution serving multiple populations through  appropriate delivery systems in multiple locations
  5. A values-driven culture that appreciates, supports and leverages our diverse programs and operations
  6. An entrepreneurial organization connected to alumni, communities, and strategic partners
  7. A financially strong university that invests in people, facilities and technology
  8. Integrated learning environments with leadership at all levels and a shared vision that excites, motivates and inspires.

Catholic Identity

  • Saint Leo University baccalaureate mass

  • Saint Leo University is a community rooted in the Catholic faith and in the spirit of our Benedictine founders. We are an outgrowth of Catholic social teaching, which insists that human institutions and relationships be based on dignity as well as social and economic justice. The university also adheres to the Catholic intellectual tradition, which celebrates the compatibility of faith and reason, and thus, welcomes students of all faiths and intellectual traditions.

    Learn More About Our Catholic Roots

Core Values

  • Community

    Saint Leo University develops hospitable Christian learning communities everywhere we serve. We foster a spirit of belonging, unity and interdependence based on mutual trust and respect to create socially responsible environments that challenge all of us to listen, to learn, to change and to serve.

  • Excellence

    Saint Leo University is an educational enterprise. All of us, individually and collectively, work hard to ensure that our students develop the character, learn the skills and assimilate the knowledge essential to become morally responsible leaders. The success of our University depends upon a conscientious commitment to our mission, vision and goals.

  • Personal Development

    Saint Leo University stresses the development of every person’s mind, spirit and body for a balanced life. All members of the Saint Leo University community must demonstrate their commitment to personal development to help strengthen the character of our community.

  • Respect

    Animated in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we value all individuals’ unique talents, respect their dignity and strive to foster their commitment to excellence in our work. Our community’s strength depends on the unity and diversity of our people, on the free exchange of ideas, and on learning, living, and working harmoniously.

  • Integrity

    The commitment of Saint Leo University to excellence demands that its members live its mission and deliver on its promise. The faculty, staff, and students pledge to be honest, just, and consistent in word and deed.

  • Responsible Stewardship

    Our Creator blesses us with an abundance of resources. We foster a spirit of service to employ our resources in university and community development. We must be resourceful. We must optimize and apply all of the resources of our community to fulfill Saint Leo University’s mission and goals.

Almost 25% Global Students

Center for Global Engagement

100+ Countries Where Saint Leo Alumni Live

Center for Global Engagement

Community Engagement

  • Saint Leo student participates in Community Day

  • Community Service Day

    Once a semester, the Office of Community Engagement provides a day of service events for the Saint Leo community. Major events include Veterans Day of Service and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, which are opportunities to demonstrate our values of respect, community, integrity, and personal development.

    Learn About Opportunities to Serve

  • Volunteer/Service Clubs

    The Office of Community Engagement aims to provide students opportunities to volunteer and participate in service clubs at Saint Leo University, as well as collaborate with our community partners.

    Learn More About Volunteering

  • Saint Leo student volunteering on Veterans service day

Our Values Show in Our Work

I feel a natural and symbolic connection to the core values of the college and my own Catholic values. Saint Leo really lives up to its reputation for promoting a values-based education through the core values.

Lauren Boos, class of 2019

Lauren Boos, class of 2019

My experience at Saint Leo was amazing. I had the flexibility to learn from home, while at the same time, having an available teacher to help me when I became stuck or confused. The fact that I completed my degree while working full time, raising two little kids, and being a wife to my husband. The focus that I had while completing my degree, to me, is a huge accomplishment.

Retania Patterson | Online Health Care Management Program

Retania Patterson headshot