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Mission, History, & Goals

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UNIVERSITY MISSION​

The mission of Patten University is to develop, inspire, and empower leaders to effect global and community transformation by delivering accessible, rigorous, and practical undergraduate and graduate distance education in the areas of Christian ministry, business, leadership, management, and technology.

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To see how Patten measures achievement of its mission, we encourage prospective students to review its Institutional Effectiveness plan, available at Institutional Outcomes.​​​​​​​​​

​​HISTORY

Patten University was founded in 1976, and is a private, non-profit university owned by Patten Educational Foundation (“PEF”) and accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

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Patten University seeks to advance students’ deepening of faith, awareness of diverse cultures and traditions, expand their ability to think critically and independently, and acquire leadership skills and technological competencies. The University is committed to preparing students to pursue their academic and career goals, while helping them integrate faith, social responsibility, and leadership into all areas of their lives. The University strives to serve students from a broad range of ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

 

The University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining faculty and staff who are committed to mentoring and coaching, who demonstrate integrity through scholarship, institutional improvement, and service to the larger community; and employ innovative technologies and teaching methods that meet the needs of 21st century learners. In its recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff, Patten University maintains openness to all qualified persons and encourages academic freedom and diversity within the context of its core values of learning, faith and community.

 

The University continues the legacy of Patten Educational Foundation founder Bebe Patten, who was generations ahead of her time as a courageous voice in the Christian evangelical movement, advocating for both racial and gender equality. The institution was previously named American Graduate University, and is separate from the other institution named “Patten University” founded by PEF that operated until 2020. 

 

Since 1944, Patten Educational Foundation founded, operated and supported several educational institutions, including Patten Bible College, Patten Academy (a K-12 school), Prison University Project, and Patten University.​

GOALS OF THE UNIVERSITY

  • Meet the increasing demand for ethical leadership in business, entrepreneurship, technology, and faith-based organizations through relevant and rigorous education.

  • Provide educational delivery methods that are flexible, student-centric, and cost-effective.

  • Provide exemplary service to students, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion in a global environment.

  • Foster an environment that encourages faculty and student engagement and uses feedback from its community to continuously improve the quality of its instruction, technology, and services.

UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVES​

​The general objectives of the University for each student are to provide:

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  • A foundation in ethical leadership principles applicable to the operation of any business, faith-based organization, or non-profit organization.

  • The opportunity for students to actively apply ethical leadership principles to their relevant field of study and chosen career. 

  • A deeper comprehension of his or her own worldview in relation to business, management, technology, entrepreneurship, or ministry.

  • An increased awareness of the economic, political, technological and social environment of business, leadership, technology, and ministry within a global context.

  • An increased ability to think critically and ethically, demonstrating appropriate levels of written, oral, quantitative, and technology based communication skills.

  • An enhanced capacity for research through increased breadth of knowledge, critical analysis and synthesization skills.

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