Doane, Your History-Making College in Nebraska

Mission Statement

Doane University provides distinctive educational experiences immersed in the liberal arts to empower our learners for professional success, ethical leadership, and purposeful service.

Doane's mission video

Our values, our vision

We will build upon our foundation of student-centered innovation to develop leaders who foster meaningful change in their lives, careers, and communities.

Community

We create an authentic environment where everyone is respected, supported, and empowered.

Integrity

We act ethically, responsibly, and transparently in all we do.

Innovation

​​​​​​We champion creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.

Transformation

We commit to growth, learning, and meaningful impact for individuals and communities.

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