Graceland was founded as a non-sectarian college in 1895 in Lamoni, Iowa, by the sponsoring church, Community of Christ (then the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). For over 125 years, Graceland has been committed to creating learning communities where students develop their potential for meaningful and productive lives. This mission has led the university to offer over 30 undergraduate degrees and several graduate degrees on two campuses (Lamoni, Iowa and Independence, Missouri) and online. Graceland considers itself as a liberal arts institution that takes pride in creating strong leaders and graduates who want to help change the world for the better.

Since its inception, Graceland University has been developing students into people who will change the world by giving them the best experience and education possible. But the university believes that providing a strong liberal art learning environment- at its main residential campus in Lamoni, their independent campus and through its online programs, University is just one piece of the puzzle. Another feather added to the cap is its amazing faculty, who care about their students' success. The University's fun-on-campus activities that build forever friendships and the powerful sense of place and belonging is what every student at Graceland cultivate every day.

Enhanced Curriculum to Help Learners Enter the Digital World

Graceland offers over 30 undergraduate majors and minors as well as several graduate degrees and a seminary. As a liberal arts institution, its curriculum is focused on giving students tangible and practical skills to help them navigate an increasingly complex world. Their skills in critical thinking and communication are particularly meaningful as they work to solve problems in the future, which haven't been even dreamt of yet. Graceland is continuing to adapt to the digital world and recently launched a master of science in data science and analytics degree that is completely online.

A Data Science Leader as Director

Dr. Jeffrey Draves is the Director of data science and analytics at Graceland and also a professor of chemistry. He oversees both the BS and the MS degree programs in data science. His journey to data science began with an interest in molecular modelling, which grew into machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in chemistry. He has also developed an interest in the educational aspects and applications of data science and analytics in the sector.

Combining Core Values and Liberal Arts for the Betterment of the World

Graceland has over 125 years of experience and its core values of learning, wholeness, and community have guided the institution. The university believes in the lifelong process of the open and free pursuit of truth. According to the university, the development of the intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of all persons is necessary for leading a healthy and fulfilling life. It appreciates and welcomes diversity, believes in the inherent worth of all persons expressed through relationships built on the foundation of unconditional love and acceptance. These core values combined with its unique liberal arts approach give Graceland students a great advantage that paves a way in creating peace and harmony by making the world a better place to live, study and prosper.

Providing Practical and Ethical Outlook to Data Science

At Graceland, the focus is on hands-on, practical education in data science. At the undergraduate level, students are exposed to modern analytics techniques, machine learning methods, and artificial intelligence methods, which are applied to real-world datasets. At the graduate level, students hone their skills with these methods and investigate certain state-of-the-art developments that are applied to real-time client-driven projects. At both undergraduate and graduate-level, students are taught the ethical practice of data science and analytics. At Graceland, imparting education is not the only motto to the management, rather, teaching the concepts with the right amount of ethical detail and practical implementation is what learning looks like. Students who graduate from Graceland University not only turn into leaders professionally but also turn into great parents, citizens, and overall into great human beings.

Preparing Graduates to Thrive the Digital Economy

The data science program offered by the university seeks to prepare graduates to thrive in the digital economy. Skills in data science will be critical for nearly all careers in the next several decades. The program currently has students from 6 different countries.

The outlook for data science education is also exploding in the United States. The problems inherent in medicine, the environment, global relations, and a host of other areas require insights beyond those currently available and education in data science will lead to these insights.

A Glimpse at the Achievements

Graceland has been mentioned in the Princeton Review "Best Midwest Colleges" 2012-2022 issue, Military-Friendly 2017-2022 issues, and is also mentioned in RegisteredNursing.org #1 Best Online RN-BSN Program in Missouri for its exceptional performance and service.

Envisioning to Expand Student Enrolment Across Demographic Boundaries

As a small, private, rural, Midwest university, demographics have been unfavourable, but its admissions team has pushed against the trend and Graceland's undergraduate enrolment has grown in the past two years. Graceland University aims to become a recognized educational leader, inspiring and empowering persons for transformational service and leadership.