May 28, 2024
Vision Statement: Capital University is a vibrant and innovative leader in higher education. Our inclusive community supports access and ensures success for all.
Students engage in the relevant and collaborative experiences necessary to be knowledgeable, resilient, and ethical citizens. They leave Capital prepared to make meaningful contributions in their communities and advance the common good.
With a distinguished history of academic excellence, Capital has always been dedicated to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education and fostering student success. This dedication echoes back to the inaugural address of Capital’s first president on May 21, 1850, when Rev. W. M. Reynolds focused on the profound significance of shaping students’ lives through education.
“When we speak of educating our children, we mean not only their literary instruction in our schools, but also their preparation for the discharge of duties of life by the formation and development in them of such character as they ought to have as intelligent and moral beings,” said Reynolds. “Any idea of education that falls short of this is manifestly inadequate and imperfect.”
Nearly 200 hundred years later, the campus community was challenged to reflect upon Capital as an institution of higher learning in the 21st century. Led by a committee, Capital embarked on a comprehensive strategic planning endeavor spanning the entire university. This initiative thoroughly reevaluated the institution’s mission, vision, and values.
The approach adopted throughout this strategic planning journey was rooted in a dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that the entire community actively participated in shaping its collective future. Homage was paid to the established mission, vision, and values statements, as well as previous strategic planning efforts, acknowledging their significance in guiding the university’s path forward.
“I think people had really strong feelings about ‘transforming lives,’ because that’s historically been part of our mission,” said Stephanie Gray Wilson, Ph.D., professor of Psychology and co-chair of the University Strategic Planning Process. “I think it’s genuine. It’s who we are, that we actually do transform students’ lives. I think that really resonates with people: what they feel like they are trying to do in their jobs, what students are experiencing, what alumni experienced.”
In June 2022, the Board of Trustees ratified the strategic framework, which included the new mission, vision, and values and the four strategic directions. The Bexley, Trinity, and Law School communities have continued to work together, guided by their new mission, vision, and value statements. The collective effort ensures a vibrant and transformative educational experience for future generations.