Core Mission Statement Alcorn State University is a land-grant institution that has been designated by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning as a regional university with a primary purpose to serve the southwestern region of Mississippi. The institution considers itself a premier institution preparing students for graduate and professional school, especially in the sciences. Organized research is conducted in selected areas, but instruction and public service are the primary components of the university's mission. The institution is currently engaged in a variety of research activities that focus on biotechnology, energy, meat, ecology, farming and alternative crops. Constantly looking for ways to broaden its research function, the institution is moving toward research involving advanced technology and value-added agriculture. The institution fulfills the instruction component of its mission through small classes and by emphasizing strong undergraduate programs while striving to develop additional graduate programs in specific areas of need and opportunity. As a Carnegie Master's I institution and a SREB Level 4 institution, Alcorn State offers a wide range of baccalaureate programs in science, mathematics, nursing, agriculture, advanced technologies, education and business. The institution also offers a selected number of master's programs in areas such as agriculture, education, nursing and science. As the epi-center of southwest Mississippi, the institution, through its "communiversity concept," provides outreach programs and services that are geared toward assisting and meeting the educational, economic, recreational and cultural needs of the immediate community, the region and the state. Through agricultural research and extension programs, the university seeks to serve families with limited resources and to help small and family farmers improve their standard of living. The institution also provides a variety of professional development opportunities for elementary and secondary schools designed to enhance performance in reading, mathematics, science and standardized examinations. Long-Range Goals In accordance with and in support of its purposes and philosophy, the institution seeks to achieve the following long-range (continuing) goals: To prepare students for scholarship and service in the areas of general and applied knowledge. To develop leadership, in general, and in areas peculiar to the various curricular offerings for Mississippi, the United States, and the world. To perform the roles and functions of a land-grant university in the areas of teaching, research and extension services. To contribute various educational services to meet the needs of the community at large. To provide curricula and other services to respond to the demands of a dynamic, democratic society. To provide such diversification of specialized educational programs as to accommodate students with varying educational and occupational interests and levels of potential for achievement. To provide an undergraduate education that will enable students to continue their work in graduate and professional schools and to engage in teaching and other professions. To provide graduate programs which enable students to obtain advanced training in specialized fields and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and new truths through scholarly research and inquiry. To strengthen and maintain a viable comprehensive planning, management and evaluation system in order to facilitate effective decision-making, resource allocation and utilization, fiscal accountability and program review, and evaluation. To achieve and maintain optimum student retention by providing effective services in the areas of student advisement, counseling, tutoring, cultural activities, and instructional methodologies. To secure the financial resources necessary to carry out the mission and goals of the institution. To provide opportunities for students to develop as responsible citizens and scholars in a democratic society by maintaining a campus atmosphere which is safe, healthy and conducive to cultural, personal and social development.