StAugustine University Pioneering Progressive Education in a Tradition of Faith and Inquiry

St.Augustine University: Pioneering Progressive Education in a Tradition of Faith and Inquiry

At the heart of St. Augustine University lies a unique fusion of intellectual rigor, faith-infused values, and transformative community engagement—an ecosystem where faith, scholarship, and social responsibility converge to shape meaningful education. Rooted in the philosophical foundations of St. Augustine of Hippo, whose reflections on truth, virtue, and divine wisdom continue to inspire, the university embodies a living legacy of holistic learning that prepares students not only for careers but for purposeful lives. With a commitment to “education that transforms,” St. Augustine University integrates rigorous academic programs with values-based formation, all within a vibrant campus community steeped in service and innovation.

Situated in Kissimmee, Florida, St. Augustine University occupies a campus that blends historical charm with modern academic functionality. The university’s founding in 1947 as a small Baptist-affiliated institution has evolved dramatically, expanding into a comprehensive, nonprofit enrolling over 4,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Over time, its mission has matured from a regional college to a nationally recognized forum for inclusive, experiential learning—all while maintaining its core identity grounded in Christian ethics and Augustine’s theological insights on grace, community, and the pursuit of truth.

Faith and Scholarship: An Integrated Academic Identity

St. Augustine University distinguishes itself as a Catholic and Bible-centered institution that neither compromises academic excellence nor dilutes spiritual vitality. Its academic offerings—from business and education to health sciences and theology—embody a distinct philosophy: that faith deepens inquiry, and scholarship illuminates faith. The university’s faculty integrate theological reflection into disciplines such as ethics in business, social justice in public affairs, and human dignity in nursing, fostering a scholarly environment where knowledge serves the common good.

“We believe that truth is unified,” explains Dr. Lisa M. Torres, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Honors Program. “At St. Augustine, you don’t choose between your beliefs and your classroom. You learn to think critically while grounding your reasoning in a tradition that values wisdom as wellspring of meaning.”

This integration is tangible in programs like the Divinity Unity Fellowship, a unique interdisciplinary track combining undergraduate theological studies with coursework in secular and religious ethics. Students engage in dialogues across faith traditions, analyze contemporary moral challenges, and contribute to campus-wide initiatives on restorative justice and community healing. Such experiences underscore the university’s belief that true education expands both the mind and the spirit.

Pioneering Research with a Human Touch

Beyond coursework, St. Augustine University actively cultivates scholarly inquiry through faculty-led research and student-driven projects. With over a dozen research centers and institutes focusing on education equity, K-12 teaching innovations, mental health access, and community wellness, the university positions itself as a catalyst for meaningful change in Central Florida and beyond.

A standout example is the Institute for Faith and Learning, which supports collaborative studies examining how religious convictions inform effective pedagogy and leadership. The institute’s recent report, “Teaching with Compassion: Faith-Integrated Pedagogy in Public Classrooms,” has been adopted by teacher training programs across state universities, reflecting the institution’s expanding influence.

“Our students don’t just study theory—they apply it where lives intersect,” notes Dr. Mark Reynolds, Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership. “From designing curricula for underserved youth to leading after-school programs, our graduates carry forward a sense of responsibility rooted in their faith and reinforced by real-world experience.”

Student Success Through Service and Scholarship

St. Augustine University’s educational philosophy centers on active learning and service, encapsulated in its longstanding motto: “Learn, Serve, Transform.” This ethos is operationalized through extensive community partnerships and meaningful internships that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in dynamic settings.

At the School of Education, for instance, future teachers routinely engage with local K-12 schools through clinical practice placements, working directly with students and educators under faculty mentorship. Meanwhile, the Business School partners with regional nonprofits to develop strategic plans and leadership training programs that drive sustainable impact.

Student-led initiatives further exemplify this integrated approach. Organizations such as the Service & Action League organize campus-wide drives for food insecurity relief, coordinate hospice outreach, and develop digital literacy programs for senior citizens—all structured to nurture leadership while fostering compassion.

Such opportunities align with the university’s emphasis on the “gentle life” — a vision of education that nurtures both individual growth and collective flourishing. As one alum reflected, “St. Augustine didn’t just teach me to analyze data or write a thesis. It taught me how to lead with integrity and serve with purpose.”

Campus Innovation and Community Engagement

The physical and intellectual campus of St. Augustine University is intentionally designed to foster connection and collaboration. Modern academic buildings feature collaborative learning spaces, while historic chapel gatherings and monthly town halls invite campus-wide dialogue on theological, social, and civic topics. The university’s strategic growth plans emphasize sustainable infrastructure and inclusive design, ensuring that both students and the broader Kissimmee community benefit from a shared sense of place and purpose.

The university’s engagement with the local community extends beyond voluntering. Through the Center for Civic Engagement, students participate in policymaking forums, assist in public health campaigns, and contribute to educational outreach at K-12 schools—strengthening regional trust and demonstrating the university’s role as a responsible civic partner.

This deep community integration mirrors St. Augustine’s historical reputation as a city of learning and hospitality—one where education is not confined behind walls but shared openly as a gift. “We’re not isolated on campus,” says Campus Minister and Community Liaison Chaplain Laura Kim. “We’re part of a larger story of service, rooted in Augustine’s community-oriented vision.”

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future with Faith and Vision

As St. Augustine University approaches its next century, it continues to reaffirm its founding commitment to holistic formation—educating students not just to succeed, but to lead with wisdom, empathy, and purpose. Expanding online programs, deepening research collaborations, and increasing emphasis on mental health support reflect a mindful adaptation to evolving student needs without compromising core values.

“Our greatest legacy is timely relevance,” states President Dr. Angela Jensen, summarizing the university’s forward outlook. “We equip students to thrive in a complicated world by anchoring them in timeless truths—truths that call us to justice, to curiosity, and to love.”

With a student body enriched by diverse backgrounds and a faculty deeply committed to mentorship and innovation, St. Augustine University stands as a living example of how faith and scholarship can coexist powerfully. In an era when higher education grapples with relevance and division, the university offers a compelling model: one where education is not only intellectual, but deeply human—a quiet transformative force rooted in tradition, driven by progress, and always open to the beauty of community.