Mission Statement

Defiance College provides students with rigorous academic programming and distinctive and dynamic service learning experiences. Moreover, Defiance College is recognized as a leader in using ever-changing student-centered approaches to lifelong learning. As a United Church of Christ related college, the Defiance College community of engaged learners is dedicated to developing the whole person through instilling within our students a search for truth, sensitivity to our world and diverse cultures within it; and an ability to lead in their chosen professions in a spirit of global service.  Defiance College emphasizes learning based on the four pillars of our educational philosophy: to know, to understand, to lead, and to serve.

TO KNOW
We believe that the liberal arts form a broad basis for all learning. We affirm that academic excellence demands a committed search for truth, competency in research and other problem solving methods, the ability to synthesize knowledge from many sources, and a capacity for self-directed learning.

TO UNDERSTAND
We provide opportunities for students to perceive and make connections between the intellectual realm and the world. We strive to develop awareness of and sensitivity to global interdependence and diverse cultures.

TO LEAD
We are committed to the betterment of the community, the nation, and the world through the development of leadership skills and abilities. We create opportunities for students to initiate and facilitate beneficial action in and out of the classroom and encourage self-reflection on the role of the dedicated leader.

TO SERVE
We encourage our students to be of service to their fellow students, their chosen fields of study, their communities and the world. We provide opportunities for students to transform society through civic engagement along with application of their
knowledge and understanding to service.