Kenyon College Mission and Values

Our Mission

At Kenyon, we build strong foundations for lives of purpose and consequence. We harness the transformative power of a liberal arts education — engaging in spirited, informed, and collaborative inquiry — to form a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the world and all who inhabit it.

Our Values

Intellectual Empowerment and Creativity

We cultivate intellectual courage and humility in equal measure. We confront enduring and emerging questions with honesty and imagination. In the tradition of the liberal arts, we seek greater self-awareness and equip ourselves to learn for a lifetime.

Embracing Differences

We commit to engaging a wide range of viewpoints, developing compassionate thinkers who value and embrace diverse cultures and identities. We believe equitable access to opportunity is essential to fostering a community in which every person has a sense of full belonging and the tools to reach their full potential.

Kindness, Respect, and Integrity

We treat one another with respect and kindness, speaking with sincerity and acting with integrity, for we recognize the fundamental dignity of all. This unifies us across our backgrounds, identities, and positions. Practicing these challenging ideals connects us to the best parts of what makes us human. We support a culture in which we contribute to the well-being of others while we also care for ourselves.

Enduring Connections to People and Place

Our residential environment promotes rich collaborations and lifelong connections. We form a close-knit and lasting community with strong ties to the village, county, nation, and world. Our natural setting shapes the way we learn and live, and we recognize our vital role in stewarding the environment.

Adopted February 2020
Approved by the faculty and the Board of Trustees
Endorsed by Student Council and Campus Senate