Mission Statement

Doane University creates distinctive educational experiences, rooted 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 aims to embody values that promote success for our students, faculty, staff and alumni in life and careers, and push us to improve ourselves and those around us.

Inclusion

​​​​​​Helping each other and every student discover who they are and how they can live and contribute in a global society.

Integrity

​​​​​​​Upholding high standards of academic and professional excellence and integrity makes Doane an enduring and prestigious institution.

Innovation

​​​​​​Encouraging big, bold thinking from all of our students, faculty, and staff ensures Doane remains at the forefront of relevant new learning.

Transformation

​​​​​​​Caring about all our students, staff, and our world helps us learn and grow into a new era for both our university and our planet.

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