Graceland University

Graceland University is a community dedicated to exceptional higher education, and grounded in the core values of caring and concern. On our two campuses in Lamoni, IA and Independence, MO, as well as through our online programs and other partnerships, we seek to bring out the full potential of each and every student in the Graceland community. While we steadfastly support our core programs, we are continually innovative, responding to the needs of our ever-evolving student body.
Founded in 1895, and sponsored by the Community of Christ, Graceland University is more than just a school; it's a collective of dedicated, caring, and compassionate individuals. Our relationship with our students does not stop at graduation-our close-knit alumni community reaches far beyond a student's time on campus.
Students who come to Graceland often tell us it was the best decision they ever made.

Some basic facts about Graceland University:

• Our total enrollment is 2,300 students.
• The main, residential campus, located in Lamoni, Iowa offers 36 undergraduate majors and 60 degree options, 19 varsity sports, and a full program of intramural sports and campus-wide activities.
• Our high-tech, 55,000-square-foot urban campus in Independence, MO houses our School of Nursing and the Community of Christ Seminary as well as the Center for the Study of the Korean War.
• Other programs offered through the Independence campus include: undergraduate and graduate Education programs and an undergraduate Business Administration program.
• Our Online Programs include Master of Education; Master of Nursing, RN to BSN, RN to MSN; and a BA in Health Care.
• We have partnerships with area community colleges, including Indian Hills Community College (Centerville), North Central Missouri College (Trenton), and Metropolitan Community College's Blue River Campus (Independence) to provide classes and degree completion programs.
• We are affiliated with SkillPath and CompuMaster to provide seminars for our Professional Development and Lifelong Learning program.
• Graceland is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA); the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education; the Iowa Department of Education; the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; and the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.
• We have approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing and the Missouri Board of Nursing.

Mission Statement

Graceland University educates students for advanced study, for productive careers, and for rich lives. Its student body is a targeted, yet diverse group that includes persons of different ages, backgrounds, and national origins who share a commitment to learning. Its curriculum, firmly rooted in the liberal arts tradition and enhanced by career-oriented practical experiences, affirms different styles of learning and prepares students to become competent professionals. Its highly qualified faculty excel in teaching and engage in scholarly, creative and professional activities. Together with the administration and staff, they care deeply about students.
Graceland offers a learning environment for the residential as well as the non-residential student that nurtures personal growth. Its challenging academic program stresses the joy of lifelong learning, the rigor of intellectual discipline, and the relationship of both to a satisfying professional and personal life. Its size fosters genuine concern for the individual while providing fellowship and a sense of belonging. For the residential student, its rich co-curricular program of interest groups, athletics, student government, residential life, and leisure activities provides opportunity to develop interpersonal skills, relationships, creativity, and leadership.
Based on the Christian values of human dignity, mutual respect, and social responsibility, Graceland welcomes persons of all faiths. It actively supports the counsel of its sponsoring denomination, the Community of Christ, to “seek learning even by study, and also by faith” and indeed offers tangible expression of the church’s commitment to the open and free pursuit of knowledge through higher education.
Graceland promotes opportunity, justice, and world peace through practical and visionary action.

Vision, Mission, Values

Mission