History
Eastern Mennonite University had its beginnings in the Shenandoah Valley in 1917 when Eastern Mennonite School, as it was then known, began as a Bible academy. The school grew, gaining accreditation by the Virginia Board of Education as a junior college in 1930. Seventeen years later in 1947 a four-year degree program was approved by the state. Regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools[1] was achieved in 1959. By 1965 a seminary had evolved to prepare persons for Christian ministry. The seminary received accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in 1986. The first graduate program (other than seminary)--counseling--began in 1993. Two others followed in the next two years--conflict transformation and education. An adult degree completion program was established in 1994. The school’s name was changed from “college and seminary” to “university” in August 1994. An MBA program was approved to begin fall of 1999. Today the university is located not only in Harrisonburg but also in Lancaster, Pa. (EMU at Lancaster) where the adult degree completion program, MA in Education, certificate in conflict transformation, AA in pastoral ministry and seminary courses are offered.
With simultaneous commitments to academic excellence, professional expertise and Christian discipleship, EMU has a distinctive educational role to play. To inspire excellence demands competence and sacrificial devotion on the part of faculty, staff and administrators. This is the challenge and the goal.
Philosophy
The educational task of Eastern Mennonite University is rooted in the Christian faith and its scriptures as they have been interpreted and lived out in a unique - Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. This tradition embraces God’s gift of reconciliation through the cross and the power of the resurrection to create new life in conformity to the teaching and spirit of Jesus.
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Approved by Mennonite Board of Education, January 1995
Mission, Vision, Values
What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
MISSION
EMU prepares students to serve and lead in a global context.
Our community of learning integrates Christian faith, academic rigor, artistic creation and reflective practice informed by the liberal arts, interdisciplinary engagement, and cross-cultural encounter.
VISION
EMU will be renowned for academic excellence and faithful discipleship in addressing the most significant challenges in our complex world.
We seek to be a leader among Christian universities, united by a hopeful and enquiring spirit, cultivating meaningful relationships locally and globally, and engaging the rich diversity of human identity, experience, and need.
VALUES
EMU’s mission and vision are grounded in the enduring biblical values of Christian discipleship, community, service, and peace.
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Approved by Board of Trustees June 24, 2017
Life Together: Commitments for a Community of Learning
Expectations and Responsibilities for Community Life for faculty, staff and students at Eastern Mennonite University
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Approved by Board of Trustees on June 24, 2017
Statement on Safety and Behavioral Expectations for the EMU Campus Community
The Community Lifestyle Commitment of EMU outlines the expectation that all persons on our campus will respect the dignity and diversity of others even when we do not agree. In light of this, we will not tolerate any form of bigotry, harassment, intimidation, threat, destruction of personal property, name calling or other forms of abuse whether written, spoken directly or implied. Alcohol or other substance abuse, fatigue, ignorance or saying, “it was just a joke” will not be acceptable excuses for such behavior. Persons who are gay or lesbian have the same right to be treated with respect and dignity as does anyone else on our campus.
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