Mission Statement
The Evans School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences provides academic programs in the fine and applied arts, the humanities, and the social sciences. These programs serve as the foundation for the general-education program and offer students the opportunity to experience the interdisciplinary nature of the liberal arts, develop competence in traditional liberal-arts disciplines, and embark upon programs of professional study.
As the principal custodian of the liberal arts, the Evans School promotes critical reflection and the advancement of knowledge through its involvement in the general-education program, by offering comprehensive major programs for students, and by encouraging excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, and service on the part of the faculty. Students are challenged to address the analytical, historical, cultural, and philosophic foundations of their disciplines, to think critically and creatively, to act with ethical and aesthetic awareness, and to communicate effectively in a free and open exchange of ideas. The school is dedicated to fostering an awareness of the cultural and ethical differences and commonalities found among the communities of the world.
The Evans School encourages scholarly, artistic, and creative activities that promote the expansion of knowledge and excellence in teaching and service. Involvement within the community is also encouraged through cooperative partnerships with public and private sectors, fine-arts programming, and faculty activities. The school provides an environment in which academic freedom and responsibility exist in a community of learning and shared governance.