The College of Natural Sciences will enhance the quality of life and health of the communities it serves by promoting educational, social, economic, scientific, and cultural advancement through: establishing centers of academic leadership in the fields of biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, health science, kinesiology, mathematics, nursing, and physics; meeting the emerging and identified needs of the community; developing new academic programs to meet future challenges; linking research and teaching that will benefit K-12, undergraduate and graduate education; applying interdisciplinary approaches for the solution of problems; preparing students for advanced studies; fostering camaraderie and providing a safe environment for faculty, staff, students, and administration; enabling students and faculty to achieve their full potential in their quest for learning and teaching; and, cultivating the appreciation of the relevance of the sciences in everyday life through outreach and public education.