Plymouth State University has a long tradition of meeting the evolving educational needs of the New Hampshire and New England community. Established in 1871 as Plymouth Normal School, the institution became Plymouth Teacher’s College in 1939, Plymouth State College in 1963, and Plymouth State University in 2003. A founding member of the University System of New Hampshire, Plymouth State now serves New Hampshire and the New England region as a comprehensive institution of higher education. The University confers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, certificates of advanced graduate studies, and selected professional doctorates. Professional outreach activities and graduate courses are offered at satellite locations throughout the state, and articulation agreements with other campuses of the University System and with the Community College System of New Hampshire offer a variety of program and transfer opportunities. The University also contributes directly to the ongoing academic and cultural life of the region by providing a variety of continuing education programs, concerts and theater performances, museum and art exhibits, and the athletic events of 24 varsity sports. PSU’s attractive residential campus of wide greens, tree-lined walkways, and traditional brick and clapboard buildings with an array of towers is located in the White Mountains and Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a pristine rural setting of great natural beauty and with multiple outdoor recreational opportunities within easy access of the New England region.
The University motto Ut Prosim, (That I May Serve), underscores the values upon which the Plymouth State University mission is built. These values are supported by the faculty, staff, and administration through a commitment to excellent teaching based on scholarship, research and creative endeavor; active involvement in University activities; and service to the wider community. Plymouth State University emphasizes sustainability. The University creates an environment that supports diversity, equity, and inclusiveness for the entire community and actively prepares students to participate respectfully and responsibly in a pluralistic society. Plymouth State University is committed to providing the best possible educational programming and therefore strives for continuous program improvement through comprehensive institutional assessment.
The educational philosophy of the University is based on academic excellence, learner-centered teaching, experiential learning, applied research, regional service, and leadership. The Plymouth State University education experience features a complementary relationship between liberal arts and professional studies, between academic and professional development, between service and individual growth, and between the University campus and the larger community.
During the plan’s drafting process, a set of guiding principles emerged as unifying themes threading throughout the goals. These principles are not goals themselves but a set of behavioral guidelines that will be used to guide decision-making, ground the University’s activities with focus and purpose, and aim toward successful achievement of PSU’s goals. In order for PSU to thrive in the future, the campus community must be a healthy, high-functioning culture. These principles are designed to help maintain and foster this culture.
- Prioritize activities that support students’ educational experiences.
- PSU will strive to provide each student with a high-quality learning experience both inside and out of the classroom and consistent access to developmentally appropriate support services; fund facilities that offer access to necessary (physical & virtual) resources & technology; and provide faculty and staff with professional development opportunities and compensation that result in high-quality teaching & scholarship.
- Promote and practice the resource stewardship necessary for PSU to thrive.
- PSU will be aware of and proactively respond to opportunities and threats, both internal and external.
- Sustain a culture of collaboration, open communication, transparency, respect and trust.
- PSU will ensure that information and data about the organization must be consistently communicated and easily accessible.
- Use measurable goals and data to drive decision-making.
- PSU believes goals must be measurable, clearly communicated, progress evaluated and benchmarks updated, providing faculty and staff with the tools and information needed to support decision-making, planning and accountability.
- Communicate a consistent, distinctive institutional identity.
- PSU will establish and promote an identity that communicates that PSU is a singular place academically, physically, and environmentally, clarifying what distinguishes PSU from other universities.
When students graduate or complete a certificate from PSU, they will:
- Possess an increased level of critical thinking skills
- Understand the interconnectedness and value of an inclusive community
- Possess mastery of their content area
- Be able to communicate effectively through a variety of media
- Be prepared for career advancement
- Integrate the motto of Ut Prosim within their lives
- Be enthusiastic advocates for and representatives of Plymouth State University
