Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

Point Loma Nazarene University exists to provide higher education in a vital Christian community where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service becomes an expression of faith. Being of Wesleyan heritage, we aspire to be a learning community where grace is foundational, truth is pursued, and holiness is a way of life.

Mission Context

The university, established in 1902 by the Church of the Nazarene, offers quality liberal arts and professional programs on its main campus in San Diego and select graduate and professional programs throughout the denomination’s southwest educational region.

Vision Statement

Point Loma Nazarene University will be a nationally prominent Christian university and a leading Wesleyan voice in higher education and the church – known for excellence in academic preparation, wholeness in personal development, and faithfulness to mission.

The University will be recognized for:

• Spiritual vitality centered on the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
• A robust scholarly community that promotes excellence in teaching, research, and service.
• A collegial community characterized by civility and respect, where all members are valued and encouraged to fulfill their potential.
• A distinctive undergraduate curriculum and co-curricular experience that offer a model in higher education.
• Exceptional undergraduate programs preparing students for success in graduate school and their professions.
• Select graduate programs of quality and professional relevance.
• Participation and influence in professional and academic organizations at the national level.
• Superior student retention and graduation rates.
• A thoughtful articulation and consistent embodiment of a Wesleyan approach to faithful living.
• Effective efforts in the development of pastoral and lay leadership in collaboration with the church.
• An exemplary model of student engagement for service to community and church.
• A source of expertise, resource, and involvement for the university’s surrounding communities.

Core Values

• Excellence in Teaching and Learning

  Teaching and learning constitute the central and defining activities of Point Loma Nazarene University. Faculty recognize that effective teaching includes maintaining a vital relationship with one’s discipline, establishing a solid connection to students, and building bridges between students and the academic material within a community of learning.
  



• An Intentionally Christian Community

  We believe in the dynamic relationship of faith and learning – the connection between heart and mind. Through many curricular and co-curricular activities, students are challenged to explore ways to align their hearts and minds to that of Christ. A natural outcome is a desire to make a difference – to serve others as agents of grace and reconciliation in a broken world.

• Faithfulness to our Nazarene Heritage & Wesleyan Theological tradition

  While working cooperatively with the whole church of Jesus Christ, we are committed to maintaining and celebrating our denominational ties with the Church of the Nazarene and embracing the distinctive qualities of a Wesleyan tradition.
  



• The Development of each student as a whole person

  PLNU’s holistic approach challenges students to align their pursuit of knowledge, faith, values, actions, and relationships. As a result, students progress in the journey of: faith in God, deep self-understanding, commitment to causes beyond themselves, and the formation of right relationships.
  



• A Global Perspective and Experience

  PLNU provides academic coursework, international study, field research, and ministry experiences that aid students in becoming aware of and engaged in the complexities of life in the global community.
  



• Ethnic and Cultural Diversity

  A willingness to hear and learn from many diverse voices is a hallmark of an educated Christian. We therefore actively pursue ideas, practices, and relationships that honor diversity and encourage engagement with others in order to grow in community with and be reconciled to one another.
  



• The Stewardship of Resources

  We accept responsibility for all that has been entrusted to the university, including people, facilities, resources, and knowledge. We seek to be stewards of these resources in ways that honor creation and reflect the purposes of God.
  



• Service as an Expression of Faith

  We are stewards, not owners, of our time, talent, and selves. Part of our call as Christians is to serve each other, working to better the condition of humankind both locally and globally.
  

The University’s 2006-09 strategic goals are:

• Expand our voice in higher education, the community, and the church.
• Articulate our community’s Wesleyan identity and practice.
• Promote collaboration within the institution to enhance our holistic learning environment.
• Design and initiate practices that use technology to improve institutional effectiveness.