Located in Defiance, Ohio, Defiance College is recognized as a leader in using ever-changing student-centered classroom approaches to lifelong learning as well as for its dynamic service-learning experiences. Community members repeatedly refer to Defiance College as an exemplar of service. The Defiance College community is dedicated to instilling within our students a search for truth, sensitivity to our world and diverse cultures within it, and the ability to lead in their chosen professions with a spirit of global service. As a United Church of Christ related college, we emphasize learning based on the four pillars of our educational philosophy: to know, to understand, to lead, and to serve. Immersed in this philosophy, our students have earned national recognition for their commitment to service, and Defiance College is among the top 20 schools in the nation for community service and engagement. The college was selected as a Presidential Award Finalist for the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, one of only four colleges and universities in the Midwest to receive the prestigious recognition. Founded in 1850 Defiance College is a private, co-educational college with over 40 major areas of study leading to bachelor’s degrees as well as master’s programs in education and business. The city of Defiance has 17,000 residents and is just a few hours from the following major cities: Detroit, MI; Columbus, OH; Cleveland, OH; and Chicago, IL; and Indianapolis, IN. Additional information about Defiance College is available at www.defiance.edu.

MISSION STATEMENT

Defiance College graduates students to lead distinctive lives in their chosen professions through a spirit of service by preparing them to know, to understand, to lead, and to serve.

To Know
We believe that the liberal arts form a broad basis for all learning. We affirm that academic excellence demands a committed search for truth, competency in research and other problem solving methods, the ability to synthesize knowledge from many sources, and a capacity for self-directed learning.

To Understand
We provide opportunities for students to perceive and make connections between the intellectual realm and the world. We strive to develop awareness of and sensitivity to global interdependence and diverse cultures.

To Lead 
We are committed to the betterment of the community, the nation, and the world through the development of leadership skills and abilities. We create opportunities for students to initiate and facilitate beneficial action in and out of the classroom and encourage self-reflection on the role of the dedicated leader.

To Serve 
We encourage our students to be of service to their fellow students, their chosen fields of study, their communities and the world. We provide opportunities for students to transform society through civic engagement along with application of their
knowledge and understanding to service.