Roanoke College is dedicated to educating men and women in high standards of scholarship to prepare them for responsible lives of learning, service, and leadership.  In pursuing this goal, the college is committed to an integrative approach to education that strives to balance intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and personal growth.

The college pursues its mission through an innovative curriculum that includes a cohesive core of liberal arts as well as specialized, career-oriented programs of study.  Students are encouraged to develop the habits of mind, aesthetic appreciation, and cultural awareness needed to thrive in a global society.  Moreover, the college provides opportunities for students to take part in community service, to engage ethical and social issues, to participate in religious life, and to further their physical and social well-being.

The college supports its mission by ensuring excellent teaching, providing for communal activities and residence life, and maintaining an attractive campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Founded by Lutherans in 1842, Roanoke College welcomes and reflects a variety of religious traditions.  The college honors its Christian heritage and its partnership with the Lutheran church by nurturing a dialogue between faith and reason. In keeping with its history and mission, the college strives to be a diverse community, nationally and internationally, and is committed to seeking new ways to serve its students and community.