​NSU is proud to share with you its present and its future. The university's mission statement tells you what Northern is - its purpose - and its vision statement tells you what it hopes to become. Its values are the beliefs shared by all in the NSU community.

Mission

Northern State University is a premier residential, liberal arts institution characterized by outstanding instruction, extraordinary community relations and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities.

Vision

Northern State University will boast an unparalleled residential liberal arts education and become a leading regional university, integrating education and technology.

Values

• Community: With strong ties to our city and region, we are a welcoming community of scholars and learners with a focus on a student-centered environment.

• Scholarship: We engage in research and creative activities in an innovative atmosphere of intellectual rigor, with academic freedom and integrity.

• Citizenship: We educate individuals for a lifetime of learning and service to their ever-changing communities, nations and world.