On July 1, 2021, Converse formally acknowledged its long-held university status with a name change to Converse University. As such, Converse University encompasses The School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, The School of Business & Data Science, The School of the Arts, and The Graduate School. And while Converse is co-educational across all programs, through the programming of the Converse College for Women, we reaffirm the founder’s conviction that a small undergraduate residential liberal arts University is a uniquely powerful environment for developing women’s talents.
Our Mission
Converse empowers students to become transformative leaders who see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly.
Our Vision
Converse advances a culture of belonging and collaboration that ignites creativity, innovation, and transformation.
Our Core Values
Converse University prides itself on embracing a culture of belonging and collaboration that ignites creativity, innovation, and transformation. Supporting our mission are seven core values that guide Converse’s commitment to creativity and the development of wise leaders.
These enduring beliefs serve as the compass for Converse. They transcend time, extend across the institution, and guide our actions and decisions.
EXCELLENCE drives us to achieve the best in all that we pursue; to develop competence, confidence, and courage to realize full potential in mind, body, and spirit.
INTEGRITY calls us to cultivate and exercise honor, character, and vision in daily decisions and actions; to act honestly and justly when confronted with ethical dilemmas and life’s challenges.
EXPLORATION compels us to think critically and creatively in the acquisition of knowledge and skills; to discover and enrich scholarship and research, disciplines, methods, and vocations through hands-on learning and leadership, and through discovery, discourse, and debate.
DIVERSITY inspires us to embrace the different perspectives, experiences, cultures, backgrounds, talents, and contributions that comprise a global society; to enhance and expand inclusivity as we build a stronger multi-dimensional community.
RESPECT leads us to value self and others, recognizing the legitimacy of individuality in belief, expression, and perspective; to exercise civility, mindfulness, and responsibility in words and actions.
COMMUNITY motivates us to develop a dynamic network of relationships through a balance of work and play that nurtures the abilities of each member in order to establish a better whole; to mentor, collaborate, and communicate as engaged citizens who effect positive change.
PROGRESS challenges us to think strategically toward the future by employing creativity, adaptability, ingenuity, and innovation; to advance and transform the world around us.
The Founder’s Ideal
“It is my conviction that the well-being of any country depends much upon the culture of her women, and I have done what I could to found a college that would provide for women thorough and liberal education, so that for them the highest motives may become clear purposes and fixed habits of life; and I desire that the instruction and influence of Converse College be always such that the students may be enabled to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly; and that they may learn to love God and humanity, and be faithful to truth and duty, so that their influence may be characterized by purity and power.
It is also my desire and hope that Converse College be always truly religious, but never denominational. I believe that religion is essential to all that is purest and best in life, here and hereafter. I wish the College to be really, but liberally and tolerantly, Christian; for I believe that the revelation of God in Christ is for salvation; and I commend and commit the College to the love and guidance of God, and to the care, sympathy, and fidelity of my fellowmen.” -Dexter Edgar Converse, founder of Converse College." ~ Attributed to Dexter Edgar Converse