What is Public Affairs?
The public affairs mission...a noble cause, a call to action.
The public affairs mission defines a primary way in which an education at Missouri State University is different from that of other universities. The University has long embraced ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement as the three foundational pillars of our institutional identity. We reaffirm and elevate these enduring commitments by formally adopting them as our core university values.
Public affairs is primarily a perspective and, therefore, is intended to be pervasive in the experience of students. It is about cultivating civic virtues and strengthening the bonds that unite people. Campus members work to create a learning environment where:
- citizenship obligations are explored and encouraged,
- the capacity and the commitment to think about the public implications of private behavior is cultivated, and
- the capacity to recognize and reflect on public issues is nurtured.
- ethical leadership
- cultural competence
- community engagement
The public affairs mission remains a "live question" with many perspectives and limitless
possibilities.
The iconic Citizen Scholar statue represents the University's public affairs mission. The statue can be viewed from the eastside of Strong Hall.
Ethical Leadership
"The process of volunteering changes you. Instead of focusing on the prize, you're focused on humanity, on helping others when they need it the most."
Ethical leadership is striving for excellence and integrity as one continually develops ethical and moral reasoning while contributing to the common good. Ethical leaders have the courage to live by their principles in all parts of their personal and professional lives.
We value ethical leadership by making informed decisions and engaging with others through integrity and transparency to pursue our goals. As ethical leaders, we are citizen scholars who take action to contribute to the common good.
Cultural Competence
"Due to the many opportunities to participate in service learning and volunteer hours within the Dietetics Program, I have been given the opportunity to grow and mature in ways I never knew were possible."
Cultural competence begins with cultural self-awareness and expands to knowledge of, respect for and skills to engage with those of other cultures. Culturally competent individuals respect multiple perspectives and are able to successfully negotiate cross-cultural differences.
We value cultural competence by respecting and appreciating individuals for who they are. Together, we foster civil discourse, awareness and action to create a culture of connection and mutual understanding.
Community Engagement
"I learned a lot about my civic identity and the part I need to be doing in the community. It is my duty as a citizen to give back the community."
Community engagement is recognizing needs in the communities to which one belongs. It requires reaching beyond one's self for the betterment of the community – a process that fosters greater awareness and personal growth.
We value community engagement by embracing our responsibility to act with courage and creativity to foster civic growth. We recognize the needs in the communities to which we belong, then contribute knowledge and work alongside the community to meet those needs.