Pillars of Excellence

Beardshear Hall framed by golden autumn leaves and a blue sky.

Four pillars encompass the themes of acknowledged university areas of excellence. These strengths are ingrained in the daily work and lives of our faculty, staff, and students, and have been proven time and again throughout Iowa State University’s history. Intersected and interwoven throughout the pillars are our land-grant university hallmarks of teaching, research, service, and extension. Most importantly, the pillars give structure and direction on how we make a difference for our state and world in the years ahead. By leveraging these strengths, we will make progress fulfilling our “to be” statements.

  • A student displays a bike as part of his Pitch Off presentation.

    Innovative Solutions

    Innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial attitude will inspire the curriculum, decision making and outlook for Iowa State University. We will bring forth expertise, technologies, novel perspectives, and ideas. By striving to bring a creative mindset and unique solutions to the grand challenges of our local and global communities, ISU will be recognized for its distinctive approach to environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability, and meeting the needs of society with integrity.

  • Five students work on a project while seated at a table.

    Educational Experience

    Promoting an excellent educational experience focused on student engagement, knowledge growth, transformative educational opportunities, and access to a welcoming and supportive educational environment will create a strong foundation for success and prosperity for a well-educated graduate with life-long relationships to Iowa State University.

  • An Extension specialist addresses a crowd at a Field Day event.

    Community Engagement

    Through active participation in and partnership with the local, state, and global communities, Iowa State University advances its land-grant mission to serve society by engaging our stakeholders to understand and address their needs and challenges.

  • Two lab researchers work on extraction and testing.

    Knowledge and Discovery

    We will enhance our understanding of our universe and ourselves and create and discover new methods, pedagogies, thought processes, and knowledge. Through deep analysis, research, and collaboration, we will bring forth new technologies, science, perspectives, and ideas to benefit a changing world.