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Mission Statement Analysis

Fernando Gonzalez

Department of Higher Education Student Affairs

Dr Katy Jaekel

HESA 500

October, 15th, 2021

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Private faith-based institutions with small populations and public land grant institutions of higher

education with large populations may not appear to have anything in common on the surface. However,

there are similarities and differences that can be noticed simply by examining an institution’s mission

statement. This paper will analyze the similarities and differences between the mission statements of

Concordia University Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Key areas to be

examined are values, beliefs, population, and privilege.

The University of Illinois is classified as a very high research institution Doctoral University. The

university desires to be a public research university with a land-grant mission and global impact. The

institution has a student population of 48.216, most of whom are undergraduates. With this classification

of a large very high research institution, it is very possible that there will in theory, be more diversity on

campus, both in research and in the student population demographics. In the long term, this may make the

university more welcoming and inclusive to students of all backgrounds and identities. Due to the fact the

university is committed to research and having a large population, more voices can be heard and their

voices can be supported with and through data and new initiatives. Ideas can be exchanged in a healthy

manner which may not be the case at other institutions that place emphasis on certain values such as

religion and tradition without taking science into account. Thus, the university attracts students and

faculty from all over who are seeking to do research and make a global impact. It is crucial to mention the

word public so it can appear inviting instead of exclusive to a certain population.

Concordia University Chicago values the individual and service. The mission statement makes it

known the institution intends to “ground(s) students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and

practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as it forms

students for vocations in church, family, and the world” (Concordia University Chicago, 2021, Our

Mission, para. 1). Rather than focusing on the greater community, the university places emphasis on the

individual. Furthermore, students and faculty can know what to expect as far as politics and expectations

go from the general student body. It is highly likely that most of Concordia’s population is conservative
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and traditional in values. Potential students and faculty can see that it aligns to traditional individual

American values. Perhaps Republican leaning folks who do not want to lose their individuality through

community standards. More specifically, it asks students to be faithful to the teachings of the LCMS no

matter what. In the event there is a disagreement with the teachings, it likely is not received well by the

university or those affiliated with the LCMS. Ideas that may disagree with the teachings of the LCMS

may often be met with resistance and backlash. This university serves mostly traditional white students

who hold privilege that comes with that identity. For example, by mentioning family in the mission

statement, the reader can see that this has been historically important to the population, especially those

most involved with the religious community. It is written in the mission statement that “it forms students

for vocations in church, family, and the world” (Concordia University Chicago, 2021, Our Mission, para.

1). This also tells the reader of the mission statement that it is in line with traditional Christian norms and

expectations surrounding sexuality and gender norms. One norm at Concordia Chicago involves “ring by

Spring” and the so called “MS. Degree", in which it is commonplace for students to be married or

engaged by the time their educational career ends. The label of “MS.”, reinforces traditional stereotypes

and expectations to have a family and be able and willing to be engaged. One would wonder if this is

welcoming to students who do not identify with the gender binary or those who are part of the LGBT+

community. It also suggests that everyone can afford a wedding including engagement rings and the rest

of the traditional items seen at a wedding ceremony.

Concordia Chicago is classified as a Masters’ college with Larger Programs with a student

population of 5,755, majority graduate student. The mission statement goes on to mention it “grounds

students in objective truth…of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod” (Concordia University Chicago,

2021, Our Mission, para. 1). It is important to consider that this may not be the truth for every student,

faculty, or staff member at the institution, especially if they do not have any religious affiliation. It may

also tell the reader that this is something the university does not negotiate on, and thus the expectations
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may be forced on those who do not identify as Christian or part of the LCMS. One must carefully

question whether Concordia values diversity of people, thought, or lifestyle in their community.

Both institutions value learning and giving to the community, albeit in different ways. Concordia

University Chicago values learning by stating it “promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and

professional programs” (Concordia University Chicago, 2021, Our Mission, para. 1). From this, it is clear

the institution values liberal arts programs, placing an emphasis on this in their mission statement.

Furthermore, Concordia places strict emphasis on professional programs, which include religious

services. The university exists to primarily serve members of Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod. In

catering primarily to members of the LCMS, Concordia is strategically marketing to that population and

limiting the potential for diversity of its student body and staff.

On the other hand, the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign values learning to enhance the

lives of citizens, regardless of religion or nation of origin. It should be noted that there is also no direct

specific program of study in the University of Illinois’ mission statement. This leaves the student more

freedom to grow in the manners which they choose, rather than to be limited by a specific belief system

or curriculum. The University of Illinois’ mission statement reads it seeks to “enhance the lives of citizens

in Illinois, across the nation and around the world” (University of Illinois. 2021, Mission, para 1). This is

a stark contrast to Concordia’s mission statement of focusing mainly on the LCMS population. Illinois

seeks a world-wide presence, which may also appear elite to some. This can also be used to imply that the

university’s network is far larger than other universities which can also be a marketing tool for

admissions as well as recruitment of faculty and staff.

Leadership in discovery and engagement are another one of the University of Illinois’ core values

as shown in the mission statement (University of Illinois. 2021, Mission, para 1). Engagement with the

community and other aspects of the world differ with those of Concordia’s individual and traditional

nuclear family emphasis. It is more accessible to engage with the outside community if students and

faculty are not limited to traditional norms and expectation. When discovery and questioning is
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encouraged rather than limited to obey authority and not ask questions. The greater community is

therefore more empowered for asking crucial questions and conducting critical research, which then lead

to crucial discoveries that benefit the community.

The University of Illinois is a public land grant institution, whereas Concordia is a private four-

year institution. It is important to realize and acknowledge the manner from which the land was acquired

as well as the purpose the land was intended to serve. The institution acquired the land through the

benefits of the Morrill Acts, which essentially removed Native Americans from their land through

warfare. Land grant institutions were designed to fill the needs of the population and establish programs

for industries such as agriculture and mechanic arts. Concordia University Chicago is not a land grant

institution and thus does not have to fulfill any provisions such as curriculum or educational standards.

Thus, Concordia can cater specifically to those in the LCMS or other religious backgrounds.

In conclusion, Concordia University Chicago and the University of Illinois have similar goals but

different audiences and concentrations. Religious institutions specialize in catering to their religious

community and asking people to respect their values, while public land grant institutions seek to respect

the values of students. Public land grant institutions like the University of Illinois seek to empower the

globe according to needs of the population. The University of Illinois does not mention family and thus

does not limit students to traditional expectations set by religion.

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Appendix A

Mission Statement: Concordia University Chicago

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago

promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth,

integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church

—Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.
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Appendix B

Mission Statement: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is charged by our state to enhance the lives of citizens in

Illinois, across the nation and around the world through our leadership in learning, discovery, engagement

and economic development.

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References

Our Mission (2021,October 15). Retrieved from

https://www.cuchicago.edu/about-us/mission-vision-and-values/

Mission (2021, October 15). Retrieved from

https://illinois.edu/about/
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