A university is an institution of higher learning that develops knowledge through research and scholarship, transmits knowledge through teaching, and applies knowledge through public service. This traditional formulation of the purpose of a university serves as a useful guide for understanding the role of universities in society. In addition to this traditional mission, universities are increasingly being asked to fulfill a Third Mission, which involves the economic and social contribution of universities to their local communities and territories. When comparing the mission and vision statements of public and private universities, it is evident that the highest priority term for public universities is “students”.
Private universities, on the other hand, prioritize terms such as “excellence” and “innovation”. It is also worth noting that some universities have university vision statements instead of mission statements. This article has explored the mission of a university in detail, including its traditional mission, its Third Mission, and how public and private universities differ in their mission statements. It has also discussed how universities interpret and respond to changes in the institutional environment, claiming their organization identity through mission statements.
