
Mission and Core Values
Rooted in Values, Reaching New Heights
Guilford’s longstanding mission is clear and distinctive: Provide a transformative, practical, and excellent education that produces critical thinkers in an inclusive, diverse environment that is guided by Quaker testimonies of community, equality, integrity, peace, and simplicity and emphasizes the creative problem-solving skills, experience, enthusiasm, and international perspectives necessary to promote positive change in the world.
Guilford College is grounded in the relentless pursuit of its seven Core Values. These enduring values are the basis of the College’s mission and are guided by the Quaker testimonies. The College was founded by the Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1837, and their principles are reflected in the campus culture.
- Community
- Diversity
- Equality
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Justice
- Stewardship
The campus community identified these values through a participative and inclusive process in 2003. The pursuit of these Core Values is integral to the educational experience we offer, abundantly visible in academic and co-curricular campus life.