Mission and Identity
Mission
The mission of Rochester Christian University is to prepare students for professional and personal success as they serve in God’s world.
Values
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Student Focus – We consider, prioritize, and respond to the needs of our students in everything we do. We design and evaluate each policy and process in a way that enhances the student experience. As we interact with students, we engage them in ways that demonstrate their dignity, potential, and worth.
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Continuous Improvement – Joining in God's ongoing work of creation and recreation, we strive to see things as they could be, anticipate what lies ahead, foster creative processes, and embrace constructive change. We cultivate a constant sense of awareness and action concerning how we can improve personally, professionally, and as an organization.
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Collegiality – Imitating the mutuality of the trinitarian God, we strive to live as a community marked by humility, truth, respect, and collaboration. We listen well, take an interest in others, and support their work. We will also hold others accountable for destructive behaviors and attitudes, after first looking inward.
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Stewardship – We recognize that we are keepers of a legacy and mission, and receive that gift as an invitation from God. We practice ownership of the work of this institution, and embrace responsibility for the results and outcomes of our actions and behaviors. We respect the facilities and property of the institution, and use our resources wisely.
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Belonging - God creates humanity - in all our diversity - in the image of God. Participating in the hospitality of God, we strive to create a welcoming community where each person belongs. We honor the significance of particularity in human identity by practicing inclusion. We actively oppose discrimination by working toward justice and equity.
Vision
Rochester Christian University will cultivate a diverse and welcoming community of learners among students, faculty, and staff for the sake of participating in God's mission in the world. Learning together the way of Christ, we will serve in neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations with justice and mercy. Sharing life in the spirit of God, Rochester Christian University graduates will contribute creativity, knowledge, and integrity to our rapidly changing world.
Heritage
In 1954, members of the Churches of Christ formed a Board of Trustees to establish a college in the north central United States. The new Board purchased land near rural Rochester, Michigan, and the first students arrived at North Central Christian College in 1959. Several years later, NCCC became Michigan Christian College. In 1997, the Board adopted the name Rochester College. That year, the Board reaffirmed the founders’ dedication to the task of leading students toward high academic achievement and the development of Christian ideals and character. In 2019, Rochester College became Rochester University, then in 2024, it became Rochester Christian University.
Over the years, the campus of Rochester Christian University has grown, and administration and faculty have continued to develop and modify programs that meet the changing needs of our students.
In a typical year, students arrive from 20 states and about 10 different nations. Alumni are scattered in many places around the country and the world.
Since its inception, Rochester Christian University has emphasized the importance of combining academic excellence with Christian ideals. While the university admits students of all ethnicities and religions and carefully explains varying worldviews in relevant courses, it employs only those professors and instructors who understand, model, and teach the Christian faith. Regardless of their discipline, faculty members routinely relate their subject matter to relevant principles and concepts of the Christian faith.