Throughout our history, the broad missions of teaching, research, and service have helped to guide the university and will continue to do so. However, as East Carolina University begins a new century, five specific dimensions of our mission will give sharper focus to our work. When considered in the context of our tradition, resources, and national reputation, these five areas provide the university with important opportunities for greater service and distinction in the coming decade.Assuring Access: Our resources and programs exist first and foremost to serve the people of North Carolina, especially as we shape the workforce of tomorrow. We are committed to a spirit of access to all the opportunities afforded by a major research and teaching university. We will develop and sustain programs that support this ideal.Supporting Student Success: Even as our research and extension enterprise grows, we remain committed to providing a great education in the classroom and to preparing tomorrow's leaders through engagement, community service, and meaningful leadership experiences.Creating Opportunity for the East: No institution is more important to eastern North Carolina than East Carolina University. We will prepare tomorrow's workforce, generate the intellectual capital that drives our economy, provide hands-on engagement with our region and state, and create new technologies from our research. Our Colleges of Business, Technology and Computer Science, and Fine Arts and Communication, as well as our health sciences schools, are significant drivers of the new economy.Forging Effective Partnerships: We are committed to building relationships with a wide range of partners for the benefit of the people of North Carolina.Responding to the Greatest Needs: The founding, growth, and continued success of East Carolina are all closely related to our effective response to the critical needs of communities and individuals.