GUIDING PRINCIPLES

As the first institution of higher education in Tennessee, the 28th oldest in the nation and the oldest coeducational institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), Tusculum is accustomed to being a leader in education and the holistic development of our students.

Tusculum’s faith-based heritage continues to play an important role in its approach to education today. The university believes strongly in providing ample opportunities for students, faculty and staff to grow in their relationship to God in addition to their academic knowledge. We are pleased everyone can not only explore academic subjects in depth but also contemplate spiritual matters in great depth. Our approach garnered a No. 1 ranking in a 2023 listing of the best Christian colleges in Tennessee from Bible Keeper, a Christian website.

Students who enroll at Tusculum benefit from a caring Christian environment and one-on-one attention from faculty and staff members. This mentorship helps equip students to become career-ready professionals and prepares them well for graduate school. Tusculum views education as active and experiential learning that provides ample ways to supplement teaching in the classroom with practical application. Students engage in research and internships that position them for success in the search for jobs and graduate programs. The university has achieved impressive rankings for its efforts.

Tusculum also believes it is imperative that students embrace the value of civic engagement during their time at Tusculum and in the rest of their lives. Through initiatives such as Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day and multiple other avenues to support their communities, students, faculty and staff recognize they have a responsibility to enhance the quality of life in their communities.

MISSION

Building on a rich Presbyterian heritage and a pioneering spirit, Tusculum University provides an active and experiential education within a caring Christian environment to inspire civic engagement, enrich personal lives, and equip career-ready professionals. We Are Pioneers.

VALUES

Integrity: Encompassing honesty and trustworthiness, all members of the Tusculum Community value and live with integrity, respect and virtue in communications, relationships and actions.

Education: We value a balanced education grounded in the civic and liberal arts and career preparedness. Our goal is for students to develop practical wisdom, global literacy, critical and independent thinking, and an appreciation for life-long learning, diversity and inclusion.

Civic Responsibility: We value our unique heritage in the civic arts and the Judeo-Christian tradition and seek to develop leaders who are citizen-scholars and will serve their communities throughout the world.

VISION

Transforming Pioneers to Do Well and Do Good!