Our Purpose: We Build Leaders.

Mission Statement

Doane University creates distinctive educational experiences, immersed in the liberal arts, to prepare our students for careers and lives grounded in inquiry, ethics, and a commitment to lead and serve in the global community.

Doane's mission video

Our values, our vision

Doane University will be a comprehensive university recognized for innovation, valuing the liberal arts and professional studies in order to empower and prepare students for life, career, and community engagement.

Inclusion

Doane values creating an environment in which all individuals and communities are able to fully participate, belong, and thrive in authentic ways.

Integrity

Doane values ethical principled decision-making and taking responsibility for one's actions.

Innovation

​​​​​​Doane values forward thinking and the ability to develop and implement new or re-imagined ideas in a collaborative environment.

Transformation

Doane values enhancing lives and developing potential.

1872 was a big year

We got our start as a college on a hill in Crete, Nebraska, to bring educational opportunities to the Great Plains. Now, we’re a university with a reach as far as you’ll take us.

1893 View of Doane Campus

1893 Campus Wideshot — The view looking southwest to Gaylord Hall from Boswell Observatory in 1893. Our campus, arboretum and community have grown significantly since then.

Boswell Observatory from 1800s

Boswell Observatory — Built in 1883, Boswell Observatory is the oldest operating observatory west of the Missouri River, and the oldest of Doane’s current campus buildings.

Carnegie Science Hall building in 1919

Carnegie Science Hall — Carnegie Science Hall was built in 1909. This image shows the building in 1919.

Gaylord Hall historical photo

Gaylord Hall — Gaylord Hall was built in 1884.

Merrill Hall Historical Photo

Merrill Hall — Merrill Hall was constructed in 1879, and was lost to a fire in 1969. Merrill Tower in the heart of campus is named after Doane’s first building.

Whitcomb building historical photo

Whitcomb Conservatory and Lee Memorial Chapel — Whitcomb Conservatory and Lee Memorial Chapel were built in 1906. The building is constructed in the Prairie School style popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright and was designed by Dean & Dean of Chicago.

Whitin Library building historical photo

Whitin Library — Whitin Library was built in 1884. Though the building itself is gone, its facade remains part of the Chab Weyers Education and Hixson Lied Art Building.

Explore our history

From 1872 to today, Doane has grown and changed. Our campus holds plenty of history, and the Tiger community continues to create it.
Doane Campus from birds eye view