The mission of Middle Tennessee State University articulates a commitment to diversity as a core value: "The University is dedicated to promoting openness and educating a diverse student body from across the nation and around the world through comprehensive undergraduate and select master’s and doctoral programs. MTSU prepares students to live productively and to become lifelong learners; to employ scientific knowledge and an understanding of culture and history; to think logically, critically, and creatively; to communicate clearly; to make sound judgments; to acquire working knowledge of a discipline or group of related disciplines; and to participate as citizens in the global community.

The University recognizes that our nation is fast becoming a majority of minorities. While the distribution of power and privilege remains much the same, changes are occurring and students must be equipped to deal with them. The truly defining issue of the age is necessarily learning to deal with diversity in a culturally competent manner. Responsible citizens must acquire (1) the courage to forego single cultural perspectives and (2) the skills and knowledge to see, consult and find understanding with people of other cultures. A community cannot live without some level of understanding on many basic questions. Learning to come to an understanding, while taking account of multiple points of view, is a skill needed for both individual and community prosperity. To educate students to this reality, it is imperative that MTSU provide a representatively diverse student, faculty and administration environment.