Core Values Provide Frame for Desired Culture, Support University's Mission

University Relations

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has developed and implemented guiding priorities, a new strategic plan, unifying messaging themes and an updated vision and mission in the last three years — all driven by collaborative campus efforts. University-level core values can now be added to the list.

“Core values are important because they provide a shared understanding of what we value as an institution, collectively framing our institution’s desired culture,” said Chancellor Joe Steinmetz. “We are guided by our vision and mission. And our core values support our work to advance that mission.”

An advisory group of representatives from across campus assisted the Office of University Relations in a year-long effort to develop core values for the univeristy. The group provided feedback after reviewing and considering existing college, division and unit-level values, the student-created Old Main Oath and value-related themes expressed by other colleges and universities.

"We discussed dozens of values and related themes before beginning to debate what values were broad enough to be representative of other similar values while being specific enough to authentically capture the unique spirit of our university culture," said Mark Rushing, assistant vice chancellor for university relations. "A handful of common themes emerged in the process, helping us select and define  four core values for the university."

Core Values of the University of Arkansas

Curiosity
Curiosity drives progress — the need to know more, understand better, ask questions and find answers. We embrace the challenges that come with exploring the unknown and seeking solutions to problems shared by all. This intellectual curiosity feeds our determination to improve lives through discovery, innovation and the expansion of knowledge.

Creativity
We are inspired by the art, music, literature, architecture and other creative works that enrich our lives. But creativity is not limited to the arts and humanities; it is no less important to the sciences, driving innovation and new technologies. A creative environment stimulates original thought, varied perspectives and new ways of looking at things. Creative people and approaches lead to new ideas, improved outcomes and other valuable contributions that make our lives better.

Character
We value personal integrity and the related behaviors that make us better people, collectively strengthening our community and society. We strive to be trustworthy, to lead by example, to get better every day and are determined to have a positive impact on others. We cultivate a culture of honesty, fairness, respect and understanding. We are accountable to ourselves, each other and the publics we serve.

Our Shared Humanity
We care about the safety, health and well-being of those around us. We support an open exchange of ideas and respect the unique perspectives and contributions that each of us provides. As a community of individuals, our diversity is our strength. We help nourish an inclusive environment where equity, opportunity, representation and civility are valued. Respecting our differences creates better understanding of our shared humanity, the foundation of our mission to build a better world.

Many colleges, divisions, units and offices of the university also have area-specific values that represent the varied disciplines and roles found on the campus of a large public research university like the U of A.

"These core values are certainly not meant to replace established values at the college or unit level, but those unit-level values should align with the spirit of the university's core values, serving as a statement of what we value collectively," Rushing said.

Rushing credits Yvette Murphy-Erby, the university's vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, for leading the drive to develop university-level values.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3 percent of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.