For over 50 years, Gaston College has maintained a tradition of excellence through its commitment and dedication to student success. This tradition begins with a strong Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan, and is further supported by the College’s Values, Educational Philosophy, and Ethical Principles.

Vision, Mission, Strategic Plan

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Vision Statement

To provide innovative student learning opportunities to create momentum for economic and social success.

Mission Statement

To educate and care for people.

Activities in Support of the Mission

  • Provides comprehensive Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs designed primarily to prepare students to enter the workforce.
  • Provides diploma and certificate programs consisting of a sequence of courses that frequently can be completed in one year or less by full-time students. These programs are intended for individuals seeking employment in a specific occupation.
  • Provides Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Arts Teacher Preparation Degree (A.A.T.P), Associate in Science Degree (A.S.), Associate in Science Teacher Preparation Degree (A.S.T.P), Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts (A.F.A.V.A.) Associate in Engineering (A.E.), or Associate in General Education-Nursing (AGE-Nursing) degree programs primarily designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university.
  • Provides developmental education to prepare students for entry into a degree, diploma, or certificate program.
  • Provides adult literacy, English as a Second Language, and high school diploma or equivalency for students seeking to improve basic skills, complete high school requirements, prepare for the workforce, or enter post-secondary education.
  • Provides continuing education programs for individual, personal, and professional development and for employee education and training to satisfy the skill development needs of business, industry, and public agencies.
  • Assures quality in all educational programs by measuring performance on a set of well-established criteria and by identifying and analyzing program needs.
  • Assures quality instruction by establishing effective, innovative, and professional teaching practices; by frequent evaluation of instructor effectiveness; and by updating methods, materials, technology, equipment, and facilities.
  • Provides support services for all students, including services for students with disabilities and other special needs to support student success and completion of academic goals.
  • Promotes collaborative relationships with school systems, colleges and universities, and with business and industry.
  • Promotes positive relationships with the community and provides services that support economic, educational, and cultural efforts.
  • Promotes access to educational programs through off-campus offerings and through distance-learning opportunities.

Values

Integrity / Accountability:
We place public trust and honesty at the center of all interactions with accountability for our actions and decisions.

Student Success:
We are committed to success of every student, as evidenced by a faculty and staff who invest themselves in the lives of our students and our communities.

Excellence:
We believe in setting high standards and expectations that empower faculty and staff to help students achieve their goals.

Learning:
We believe in conveying knowledge and skills through exemplary teaching that expands minds and changes lives.

Innovation:
We strive to create dynamic and innovative solutions in all facets of our work.

Equity / Diversity:
We believe in the principles of respect, equity, and access, and that our similarities and differences are opportunities for establishing a common bond that strengthens the College.

Collaboration / Partnerships:
We strive to be a leader and partner in building strong and vibrant relationships with businesses, industries, stakeholders, school districts, transfer institutions, and community organizations.

Ethical Principles

  • Integrity
  • Competence
  • Equality and Acceptance
  • Honor and Trust
  • Privacy

Institutional Philosophy

Gaston College students, faculty and staff share a committed responsibility to nurture a mentoring, collaborative, caring, and diverse culture of skilled lifelong learners who are empowered to succeed in an ever-changing world. Self-growth and empowerment are realized through many innovative processes, including an effective balance of assessment and evaluation, challenging ourselves and others to support a caring learner-centered environment.

Strategic Priorities & Goals (2023 – 2026)

Strategic Priority #1 | Student Recruitment and Enrollment
Strategic Goal #1: Gaston College is committed to enhancing its marketing efforts, improving recruitment strategies, and supporting students through the enrollment process, ultimately attracting and enrolling a diverse and engaged student body.

Strategic Priority #2 | Student Access and Success
Strategic Goal #2: Gaston College is committed to enhancing student access, success, and inclusivity in high-quality educational programs, ultimately empowering students to achieve their educational goals.

Strategic Priority #3 | Partnerships and Community Engagement
Strategic Goal #3: Gaston College is committed to establishing strong partnerships, actively engaging with the community, and creating meaningful opportunities for students, alumni, and the public to contribute to the college’s mission and success.

Strategic Priority #4 | Organizational Development
Strategic Goal #4: Gaston College is committed to continuous improvement through organizational and employee development.

Strategic Priority #5 | Finance and Operations
Strategic Goal #5: Gaston College is committed to optimizing fiduciary and operational strategies to ensure long-term success and stability.

Strategic Priority #6 | Organizational Infrastructure
Strategic Goal #6: Gaston College is committed to investing in its operational infrastructure to enhance the working and learning environment.