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Mission, Vision, Values
Institutional Mission
Westminster University is a private, independent university dedicated to student learning. We are a community of learners with a long and honored tradition of caring deeply about students and their education. We offer quality and affordable professional education in undergraduate, selected graduate courses, and other innovative degree and non-degree programs. Students experiment with ideas, raise questions, critically examine alternatives, and make informed decisions. We encourage students to assume responsibility for their learning, to discover and pursue their passions, and promote more equitable and sustainable communities.
Our purpose is to prepare students to lead lives of learning, accomplishment, and service and to help them develop skills and attributes vital for success in a diverse and interdependent world. We promote distinct approaches toward engaged learning that emphasize theory and practice in our academic and co-curricular programs. Grounded in a culture of imagination and innovation, we pursue excellence while promoting inclusiveness and respect for differences.
Vision Statement
Westminster University will be renowned for fostering inclusive and compassionate leaders who excel in generating and applying knowledge, embrace the natural environment as an integral part of their learning and human connection, and incorporate wellness into their personal and professional journeys.
Shared humanity
Authentic and inclusive affirmation of individual identities
Knowledge borne of openness, questioning, discernment, and personal passion
Personal and professional growth
Westminster University celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2025 and developed a strategic plan for what Westminster will be at 150 years old.
Westminster at 150 focuses on affirming the university’s mission, maintaining educational quality, and creating a signature experience for its students. The strategic plan comprises 4 priorities to increase enrollment and revenue generation by elevating our distinctiveness, competitiveness, and student success.
WestX: Signature Student Experience
All Westminster students will have opportunities to become career-ready, apply their academic coursework in diverse and meaningful contexts, and be prepared to step into leadership roles ethically, effectively, and responsibly.
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Integrated Wellness
Westminster students will gain knowledge and skills regarding best practices for living well. Campus will be equipped with resources to address both physical and mental needs and advanced wellness practices.
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Power of Place
Westminster will harness the power of its location in Salt Lake City to provide resources for students to engage in the natural environment—as well as connect to urban and corporate opportunities—in an educational context of mentoring, impact, and reflection.
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Diversification of Academic Programs
New degree programs, majors, and certificates will be launched based on market and employment data, student demand, and existing areas of faculty expertise to diversify revenue streams consistent with our core values and purpose.
Strategic Plan Updates
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Griffin Gazette Board of Trustees Update
September 24, 2025 | President Beth Dobkin, PhD
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Griffin Gazette Institutional Advancement Update
June 26, 2025 | Daniel Lewis
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Griffin Gazette Integrated Wellness Update
June 12, 2025 | Jessica Brazell-Brayboy, PhD
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Griffin Gazette Presidential Message
May 22, 2025 | President Beth Dobkin, PhD
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Griffin Gazette Presidential Message
January 16, 2025 | President Beth Dobkin, PhD
Student Value Propositions
Student value propositions help illustrate institutional goals and priorities that support the success of every student. The 150 committee and leadership transitioned the most distinct aspects of WestX into student value propositions and incorporated feedback from the campus community.
- All students will participate in outdoor learning activities, so that they understand the importance of the natural world to human health and happiness.
- All students will develop a personal wellness approach, so that they have the knowledge, skills, and commitment to thrive amidst stress, complexity, and ambiguity.
- All students will apply their learning to leadership in a variety of social, community and professional contexts, developing self-awareness, empathy, inclusion, and the ability to empower others and inspire change.
- All students will engage in paid internships, scholarship, professional or clinical experience, or field studies so that they expand their application of knowledge, create career confidence, and boost earning potential.