About Centre College
Centre Values

Centre Values

At Centre, our values serve as a key foundation upon which all other actions and decisions are based.

These values are woven into all aspects of our work describing how the Centre community goes about the mission of preparing students for lives of learning, leadership, and service. These values are evidenced in our work in the classroom, throughout the campus community, and across all levels of decision-making.

Group of faculty cheering for students as they walk by on graduation

Shared Purpose

Everyone in the Centre community is an essential part of providing the transformational liberal arts education we offer our students.

Students walking by Lincoln statue outside the library during fall

Access

Access, affordability, and opportunity are core to our identity.

Students working with professor on engineering project

Growth Mindset

A commitment to intellectual and personal growth cultivates ongoing, meaningful learning among all members of the Centre community.

Belonging

Centre is a supportive, caring community that embraces diversity and fosters belonging.

Three students walking in front of the Eiffel Tower

Global Engagement

Global engagement, on and off campus, is essential in the interconnected 21st century.

Our Mission
Centre College prepares students for lives of learning, leadership, and service.

What We Do
Centre College provides a transformational liberal arts and sciences education.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Academic excellence is achieved through collaborative interactions among distinguished faculty of teacher-scholars and artists, dedicated staff, and exceptional students. We foster a love of learning through an innovative curriculum, majors and minors, convocations, and scholarly pursuits. We cultivate experiential learning through study abroad/away, research, internships, creative endeavors, and community engagement.

Curriculum

Classes at Centre feature maximum flexibility within basic guidelines, known as the general education curriculum. These courses develop existing skills and promote exploration.

Majors and Minors

Centre offers more than 50 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. Students may also design their own major in consultation with an academic advisor.

Study Abroad

Centre students can apply to study abroad or away in one of 20 semester-long programs offered in 13 different countries including flagships in England, Mexico and France.

COMMUNITY

The Centre community is enriched by diverse identities, cultures, and perspectives, and strengthened through meaningful, long-lasting relationships fostered among students, faculty, staff, and alumni through our collective work. These relationships are developed through our commitment to well-being and residential living on a beautiful and safe campus, participation in and attendance at extra-curricular activities, such as athletics, volunteer work, campus government, student-led clubs, Greek organizations, and cultural events at the Norton Center for the Arts, the Jones Visual Arts Center, and other campus and community venues.

Activities

Centre students participate in over 80 campus clubs and organizations and attend more than 2,000 campus events each year.

Athletics

The Centre College Colonels compete in 25 intercollegiate sports – 12 for men and 13 for women. Nearly half of the student body participates in one or more intercollegiate sports.

Cultural Events

The Norton Center for the Arts is Centre’s showplace venue for top performers and influential speakers from around the world.

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship is the responsibility and authority for maintaining Centre’s rich traditions while evolving for a stronger future. The stewardship of the College is vested in the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees to ensure that our communal, environmental, and educational resources can be enjoyed by current and future generations. Along with individual relationships and voices, this shared stewardship is held in various organizations such as Student Government, Staff Congress, the Faculty, College Council, and the Board of Trustees.

Student Government

The Student Government Association represents students as their official voice to the College’s administration and faculty in all matters of academic, extracurricular, and social issues.

College Council

Comprised of faculty, staff, students, and administration, College Council serves as the primary body for campus-wide engagement on policies and practices.

Board of Trustees

Centre is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, including alumni, parents, and friends, who bring a strong commitment to the College's academic mission and success.

Moving Forward

At Centre, our values are not static; they reflect our ongoing commitment to continuously evolve to meet the challenges of our changing campus and a changing world while staying true to our mission. This values statement reflects the voices of our community, reinforcing our commitment to academic excellence, belonging, and stewardship of our institution. It will help guide us as we continue to foster a supportive and dynamic environment for learning, growth, and engagement. These values also reflect our aspirations. They serve as both a reminder of who we are at our core and who we strive to be. We know there is always more work to do, and we embrace the journey ahead with humility, determination, and a shared commitment to building an even stronger Centre.