The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies is dedicated to engaging in intentional and ongoing efforts to create a culturally sustaining climate that is committed to equity, inclusivity, and diversity. We are devoted to fostering a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students in uncovering and addressing systemic barriers, promoting an inclusive and equitable community, and supporting social justice in our programs and in the professional disciplines for which we prepare our students. Such dedication includes aligning our efforts with the university's strategic plan, evaluating our progress and adjusting our efforts to meet our evolving goals. The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies strives to build a culture of inclusivity which helps our faculty and students thrive in scholarship, knowledge generation and community engagement. We believe these efforts will assist our university in meeting the needs of a rapidly changing world and our success depends upon the robust exchange of ideas across cultures.

The Darden College of Education & Professional Studies is committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly activities, and service. The College strives to meet the needs of the community while maintaining national and international prominence. It is dedicated to preparing distinguished professionals who become leaders in their fields. The College fulfills its mission through its undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of education, counseling and human services, exercise science, sports management, recreation, training, fashion, speech-language disorders, instructional and occupational technology, as well as through its many continuing education activities.

Old Dominion University's major purpose in its teacher education programs is to prepare teachers and educational leaders who have adequate knowledge of their teaching disciplines, ability to practice state-of-the-art instruction to students of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and attitudes which promote commitment to teaching and learning as well as lifelong professional growth and development.