The Mission of Cottey College

Cottey College, an independent liberal arts college, educates women to be contributing members of a global society through a challenging curriculum and a dynamic campus experience. In our diverse and supportive environment, women develop their potential for personal and professional lives of intellectual engagement and thoughtful action as learners, leaders, and citizens.


Vision

In 2011, Cottey College will be known as a model liberal arts college for women's education, providing opportunities to develop scholarship and creativity and to exercise responsibility, initiative, and leadership.



About Cottey

Cottey is a women’s college that focuses on the first two years of a liberal arts education.  Cottey is a model for women’s education and for the liberal arts.  The components of our model include: 

  • The full support of a close-knit community with a focus on preparing women to be learners, leaders and citizens in our global society. 
  • A high quality curriculum that challenges students to explore a range of academic disciplines.  Students may begin study in their chosen major, and those who have not yet decided on a major receive assistance in determining their interests and academic strengths.
  • New academic programs in political science/international relations and mass communications/media studies will begin in the 2008-09 year. 
  • Professors who are scholars trained at excellent institutions, with 90% holding the highest degree in their field.  They are outstanding teachers committed to encouraging curiosity and thoughtful inquiry. 
  •  Small classes that encourage students to explore concepts and express ideas. 
  •  Excellent physical and human resources dedicated to the education of women.  Modern, well-equipped classrooms and laboratories, a commitment to the use of technology to enrich learning, and internship and volunteer opportunities provide an excellent learning environment. 
  •  Cottey offers volleyball, basketball and softball in its intercollegiate sports program, and is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II, Region XVI. The NJCAA is the athletic association for all two-year colleges. Division II is a mix of small and large two-year colleges in the state of Missouri.
  •  Students live in unique apartment-style suites with other young women from across the nation and around the world.  In this context of both diversity and community, there are significant opportunities for personal growth and building friendships. 
  •  Leadership development programs combine theory and practice.  Students develop the skills and self-confidence that will shape their future education and career path. 
  •  A visit to a major cultural center of Europe (London, Paris, Madrid, Florence, and Rome) paid for by the College, with very little additional cost to the student.  Learning modules developed by faculty enhance the cultural experience by incorporating historic landmarks, theatre, music, architecture, food, and more. 
  •  After two years of focused study and work with dedicated faculty, Cottey graduates transfer to institutions across the country.  Some prefer to transfer to another small liberal arts college, while others select public colleges, regional universities, or major research universities.  Cottey alumna report one thing in common—the ability to shape their destiny based on the intellectual motivation and excellent academic preparation that result from our model.