Core Values: What Students Can Expect at DBU

Think about your own set of personal core values. Now, think about the core values of the colleges you're considering. Do they align?

Some prospective students might easily overlook a college's core values in the school decision-making process.

But just as you probably would want to avoid jumping into a relationship with someone whose core values aren't in line with your own, you probably don't want to commit to a college that differs too much from what you hold to be valuable and authentic.

Core values generally act like a college's guiding principles, which can have a significant impact on your education, personal growth, and overall experience in school.

To that end, Dallas Baptist University's core values include seven things we consider foundational for living out the mission and vision of a Christian university. We consider our seven core values — Christ-centered, Excellence, Global-Minded, Transformative Education, Servant Leadership, Community, and Faith Integration — to be among the best for Christian college students.

"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." - Colossians 2:2-3 NIV

Dallas Baptist University Core Values in Practice

If you're curious about what to expect at a Christian university in Dallas, here are seven ways DBU puts its core values into practice.

1. Christ-Centered

At DBU, we believe all truth is God's truth, and an informed mind can only be fully developed in light of the Gospel.

DBU administrators, faculty members, and staff are committed to meeting students' intellectual, spiritual, and personal needs by encouraging them to grow in their relationship with the Lord. The primary educational purpose of DBU is permeated and reinforced by a concern for the student's spiritual and moral formation grounded in the truth of Scripture as well as other relevant sources.

They also place immense importance in exemplifying Jesus Christ's teachings in their character and conduct in all professional settings, personal relationships, and daily activities — inside and outside DBU.

Ultimately, at DBU, you can be confident that you're in a place with people who uphold like-minded Christian moral values.

2. Faith Integration

From the classroom to the athletic fields to the dorms, Christ is at the center of all things. To that end, integrating faith into every facet of life at DBU is at the heart of what we do because it is the heart of who we are.

Your spiritual growth isn't separate from your academic or social growth, and we believe your college experience should reflect that. This is what an integrated, holistic education means — that all things filter through a Gospel lens.

3. Excellence

Because DBU believes that excellence in service to God and people is an integral part of the Christian faith across every part of life, we strive to be the best university possible and provide the highest quality education — all to the glory of God.

As determined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), DBU gladly complies with the requirement to be vitally concerned about institutional effectiveness and pursues a rigorous, ongoing program of planning and evaluation. Ultimately, you can always be confident you’re receiving an accredited education at DBU dedicated to the highest level of excellence.

4. Community

Whether you are an introvert, an extrovert, an art lover, or a sports fanatic, we thrive when we have others who stand alongside us to support, encourage, and guide us.

Authentic belonging is critical in a college setting — and DBU prioritizes the finding of your "fit" in a safe and supportive environment.

We believe God designed us for community, so DBU fosters a unique space where we support and challenge one another — not only academically, but also spiritually and relationally. Community extends beyond the classroom, too, across campus life with our events and traditions, as well as a diverse number of ways to connect with others in student organizations and extracurricular opportunities.

5. Servant Leadership

From the arts and sciences to professional studies and more, DBU is purpose-driven to produce Christian servant leaders. We believe God calls us to serve Him and one another. Therefore, we incorporate servant leadership into every program we offer to develop responsible leaders with a heart for service.

It's important to remember that this scope of service and leadership isn't limited to distinctly spiritual or religious activities — or to the Church. DBU also offers leadership courses and even a minor in leadership studies to better understand how to apply those principles in your distinct vocational area. No matter your calling, you can use your education to positively impact those around you.

6. Transformative Education

There's no doubt college can be a transformative time — and DBU provides a Christ-centered education that transforms both the mind and the spirit. We want to make your education as purposeful of a venture as possible, one that goes far beyond the classroom and fully equips you for your future.

By teaching students how to integrate faith, learning, and vocation — and how to be a servant leader in their respective spheres of work and service — we seek to shape each unique calling.

7. Globally Minded

While your community at DBU is built locally right on campus, we also know the power of investing in external communities and making an impact across the world. We believe God has called us to have a heart for the world, which is shown not only in our love for international students but also in our focus on serving and transforming the world — all for the glory of God.

As such, we encourage students to discover and engage in the world — for a week or even an entire semester. You have so many opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus during college! From mission trips to traveling abroad, your time at DBU can be marked by seeing and serving the world.

The Importance of Christian University Core Values

In alignment with our core values, the mission of Dallas Baptist University is to provide a Christ-centered, quality higher education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to traditional-age and adult students to produce servant leaders who can integrate faith and learning through their respective callings.

We believe that education is more than just sitting in a classroom. It is a game-changing experience that pushes students to not only discover their purpose but also to make that purpose a reality.

Are you ready to uphold your core values and change the world? So are we!