Core Values


Our Vision

Western Illinois University will be the leader in educational quality, opportunity, and affordability among regional public universities.

Our Mission

Western Illinois University empowers students, faculty, and staff to lead dynamic and diverse communities. We provide student-centered undergraduate and graduate programs characterized by innovative teaching, research, and service, grounded in interdisciplinary, regional and global perspectives. We engage our students in educational opportunities guided by a professional and diverse faculty and staff in collaboration with alumni and community partners.

Our Core Values


agriculture studentsAcademic Excellence

Central to our history and tradition is the commitment to teaching, to the individual learner, and to active involvement in the teaching-learning process. WIU’s highly qualified, diverse faculty promotes critical thinking, engaged learning, research, and creativity in a challenging, supportive learning community. Western is committed to an academic environment that encourages lifelong development as learners, scholars, teachers, and mentors.


students in chemistry lab Educational Opportunity

Western values educational opportunity and welcomes those who show promise and a willingness to work toward achieving shared educational goals. WIU is committed to providing accessible, high quality educational programs and financial support for our students.


Personal Growth

Because Western values the development of the whole person, WIU is committed to providing opportunities for personal growth in an environment that supports the development of wellness, ethical decision making, and personal responsibility.


students at dance marathon raising funds for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Social Responsibility

Western is committed to equity, social justice, and diversity, and will maintain the highest standards of integrity in our work with others. WIU serves as a resource for and stimulus to economic, educational, cultural, environmental, and community development in our region and well beyond.

University Diversity Statement