Dual Mission Colleges and Universities
Dual mission institutions proudly offer an intentional blend of liberal arts programs and hands-on career skills training under one roof, generally through a mix of undergraduate offerings ranging from bachelor’s and associate degrees to specialized certificates.
These institutions may be either public or private, but are generally open access and significantly more affordable than other colleges and universities. Dual mission institutions typically offer streamlined pathways for students, nimble operational structures, and close-knit community and workforce partnerships. Because of their “hybrid” nature, they may also not “fit” well in traditional Carnegie or other post-secondary classification systems.
There are an estimated 400 colleges and universities that qualify or operate as dual mission institutions in the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and beyond.
Read the November 2, 2023 Dual Mission Summit & ACE Collaboration Update
Fifth-Annual National Dual Mission Summit
Details are still pending for the fifth-annual National Dual Mission Summit. Please check back later this summer for information on this important gathering of higher education leaders to discuss the future of the Dual Mission movement.
The 2022 National Dual Mission Summit
In November 2022, more than 150 people from across the country gathered at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs, Colorado for the fourth annual National Dual Mission Summit.
Watch videos of Plenary and Keynote sessions:
Opening session – Higher Education, Disrupted
Where does the Dual Mission Institution Fit in the Carnegie Classification System?
Student Panel - How Dual Mission Institutions Have Enhanced the Learner Experience
How can Policy Shape and Support the Dual Mission Model?
Dual Mission Plenary: The Educational Equity Agenda and Promise of Dual Mission Institutions
Why Philanthropic Leaders Invest in New Models in Postsecondary Education
2022 National Dual Mission Summit Schedule / Agenda
See what was discussed at the 2022 National Dual Mission Summit.
Recent media coverage about dual mission institutions
The dual mission model has been featured in several leading publications and conference panels examining the future of higher education:
2023
2022
- Aspen Ideas Festival
- ACE Annual Meeting
- Regent's Roundtable
- Work in Progress
- Glenwood Springs Post Independent
2021
2019
2018
Past Conferences
2020 Dual Mission Virtual Summit
Keynote Presentation & Presidential Panel featuring Jamie Merisotis, President and CEO of Lumina Foundation. Following Merisotis’s presentation, hear from Presidents Hauser, Mortensen, Tuminez, Williams and Dr. Hanna on the role and importance of the dual-mission model in higher education.
Dual Mission Summit 2019
Weber State University / October 7, 2019
2019 Dual Mission Summit Resources
2019 Dual Mission Summit Featured Guests
Recording of the 2019 Dual-Mission Summit; Luncheon Keynote: 2:31; Dinner Keynote Panel: 5:50.
2018 National Summit on Dual Mission Institutions in Higher Education
Utah Valley University / May 16 – 17, 2018