Our Mission Statement
Our mission in the Lehigh Athletics Department is to advance learning, foster personal growth and provide leadership preparation through comprehensive athletics programming.
In executing our mission we support the provision of equitable opportunities for all students and staff, in an environment where all individuals are respected and empowered.
Our programs promote and provide opportunities for broad participation, challenging competition, sportsmanship, cooperation, teamwork, commitment, achievement, service to others, enjoyment and the development of enduring attributes and skills. Programs are offered with intensity levels ranging from NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports, through competitive club sports and intramural sports, to a diversified program of recreational, instructional, and fitness opportunities.
We evaluate our effectiveness by assessing achievements relative to potential, the personal growth of participants, and measures of the levels of involvement, support, and fulfillment.
Adopted, December 1998
Updated/revised, May 2017
Re-affirmed for 2024-25
Our Vision
On our campus. . .
- We see athletics as a philosophically embraced and increasingly respected participant in the learning experience;
- We see an athletics administration that is recognized for its potential to contribute to the University planning processes;
- We see an athletics administration that is a valued participant in extra-departmental priority initiatives;
- We see athletics as an integral partner in reshaping our campus as an inclusive community;
- We see the athletic facilities as a focal point of student activity and student (and faculty/staff) recreation;
- We see a program that emphasizes and supports “wellness” and life sport opportunities for all students and the University community by educating in and through physical activities.
Beyond our campus. . .
- We see an intercollegiate program that consistently achieves success among peers and that earns the respect of those who observe our teams;
- We see Lehigh as a leader within the Patriot League;
- We see increased attention to our athletic successes on the part of increasing numbers who wonder how we do it;
- We see our athletics programs, coaches, and student-athletes contributing actively as leaders within our community;
Within our staff. . .
- We see educators committed to students, their personal growth and their leadership development;
- We see educators committed to student-athlete academic achievement;
- We see educators committed to ongoing learning and respectful of all identities, backgrounds and experiences;
- We see educators and professionals who know how to get the job done and yet are constantly searching for a better way;
- We see coach and staff educators who earn respect from athletes, parents of athletes, peers, University colleagues and alumni for their professional competence and for their personal caring;
And in our students. . .
- We see student-athletes more diverse in identities, background and experiences than our student body, achieving at the same levels, and enjoying the same experiences;
- We see student-athletes who excel on and off the field and who are appropriately recognized for their achievements;
- We see pride in our facilities, our teams, our staff and our achievements;
- We see student-athletes who are student leaders making a difference on and off campus;
- We see students who appreciate athletics and student-athletes and who enjoy the athletic opportunities and experiences offered at Lehigh;
- We see students who are growing from their athletics associations and who will maintain that relationship with Lehigh in the years to come.
Originally written in 1988
Revised 1997-1998
Revised May 2017 and
Adopted for 2024-25
Our Values
- Personal Growth: Learning, self-awareness, achievement and the ability to handle adversity, for our student-athletes and for ourselves
- Health: Physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social
- Diverse, Inclusive, and Equitable Communities: Recognizing and respecting the uniqueness and inherent value of each individual to make the teams and organization stronger
- Competence: In the performance of our duties, and in the expectations we have of others
- Caring: Thinking of others first
- Competition: To stretch ourselves and to make success more meaningful, always competing with integrity and sportsmanship
- Communication: Sharing and listening, with honesty, transparency, integrity and consistency
- Team Work: Working together, with a team-first commitment, to achieve our vision
- Traditions: Honoring all that has come before us
- Achievement: Committed to excellence and being the best we can be, in all that we do
- Recognition: Credit for achievements and jobs well done
- Inclusive Leadership: Influencing others through our actions and our integrity
- Enduring Relationships: With our athletes, alumni, colleagues, and each other
Originally written in 1988
Revised for 1997-1998
Revised for 2017-2018
Revised for 2024-2025
Adopted for 2024-2025
Our Priorities
- Education: Student-athlete development and support
- Renewal and Advancement: Recruitment, relationships, and partnerships
- Efficiency, Creativity: Resource enhancement and management
- Credibility: Achieving success in all we do
- Growth and Commitment: Staff development and staff stability
- Preservation: People, programs, and physical spaces
Originally written in 1988
Revised for 1997-1998
Adopted for 2024-2025
Our Challenges
- Identifying and maintaining the most efficient organization and structure to manage our internal operations and expand our department-generated resources in order to accomplish our priority objectives.
- Clarifying our priorities, expectations, and strategies.
- Enhancing perceptions of our value (philosophically and economically), and of our commitment to the educational process.
- Maintaining and preserving the progress we have achieved, and getting even better.
- Maintaining sensitivity to the opportunities for shaping public perceptions and influencing institutional imaging as we contribute to the learning process.
- Developing and maintaining confidence, effective communication, and trust.
Originally written in 1988
Revised for 1997-1998
Adopted for 2024-2025
