Mission Statement
Letter from the College
In recent days, we have witnessed tragic reminders of the racism and hatred that continue
to afflict our nation. The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd
have revealed again the injustices that are rooted in the systems and structures of
our society, and how those injustices divide us. We mourn those lost lives and condemn
the discrimination and police brutality that led to their deaths. We express solidarity
with our Black students, faculty, staff, and community members who are especially
hurting, and who continue to face acts of prejudice in their everyday lives. We also
acknowledge that words of support are not enough to enact meaningful change.
At the heart of our work in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts is the study of
what it means to be human, and each of our disciplines contributes in unique and crucial
ways to that pursuit through its courses and programs. Our college’s mission is to
provide students with an educational experience that promotes “the free and rigorous
pursuit of knowledge, respect for differing points of view and cultures, appreciation
of personal expression in all its artistic forms, awareness of the role of an educated
citizenry in a democratic society, and understanding of the role values play in thought
and action.”
To fulfill this mission, our college must continue to strengthen its efforts to promote
inclusive values and practices through our leadership, scholarship, teaching and community
engagement. We must listen to and promote underrepresented voices. We must also be
open to self-reflection and difficult conversations about race, privilege and bias.
Only through such commitments and actions can we create a safe and equitable environment
for all members of CHFA.
As an institution of higher education, we have a responsibility to prepare students
to be thoughtful, tolerant and engaged citizens, and to model such citizenship ourselves
as educators, scholars, and leaders. Our college community is dedicated to addressing
these challenges as we work together for a more just, open, and peaceful future.
The College of Humanities and Fine Arts
Murray State University
Mission Statement
The College of Humanities and Fine Arts strives to foster awareness and appreciation of the humanities, fine arts, and social sciences among students, the university community, and the public. The College is a learning community dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and its application through civic and professional leadership. Students and faculty members act as advocates for the humanities, fine arts, and social sciences in a variety of ways, ranging from teaching and scholarly work to performance, exhibition, and consultation. To this end, the College actively promotes research and creative activities among its faculty and students.
The College seeks to provide a personalized learning experience promoting the free and rigorous pursuit of knowledge, respect for differing points of view and cultures, appreciation of personal expression in all its artistic forms, awareness of the role of an educated citizenry in a democratic society, and understanding of the role values play in thought and action. The College aims to develop students who think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, and participate actively in their communities. Thus, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts is committed to preparing well-educated, thoughtful, and contributing citizens of the world.