Set in a dynamic metropolitan environment it once again seeks to address the needs of its service area. The focusing of its effort into these five themes constituting the core of the metropolitan conversation is but a way of saying it intends to remain a relevant institution in the midst of a changing area. Its enhanced expectations for students reflect what it believes to be the nature of emerging performance standards from all sectors of the society. In seeking a statewide mission in public affairs it is acknowledging that its student mix is already statewide and that its selective admissions standard designates it as a distinctive type of institution. The quest for a statewide mission is also built on the recognition that there are unmet needs in the state's higher education program which SMSU is peculiarly able to fill.
Public affairs promises to put knowledge in a moral as well as a utilitarian context.
This contribution by SMSU will complement the excellent educational efforts already occurring across the state. It will provide a unique focus to an otherwise conventional comprehensive university effort. In some respects it is experimental. We believe we can. If we can the society that supports the educational enterprise will be richer.