Educated Person Statement of Philosophy

Acknowledging that students will not only be workers but also citizens, family members, consumers, and lifelong learners in a democratic society, NHTI integrates academic, technical, experiential, and work-based learning. These are grounded in a general education core to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills for successful engagement in their communities, workplaces, life roles, and educational and career endeavors. We commit ourselves to educating graduates to be:

  • Knowledgeable of human cultures and the physical and natural world. Graduates evaluate the effects of historical trends and events on institutions and social systems and demonstrate respect for and understanding of diverse ideas and modes of expression as conveyed through the humanities.
  • Thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators. Graduates evaluate and apply information rationally and consistently to guide decision-making. They apply critical and creative thinking skills to the analysis of problems; demonstrate scientific thought, both quantitatively and qualitatively, by evaluating human and technical problems; generate ideas by consolidating knowledge; and reflect critically on their learning.
  • Collaborators. Graduates demonstrate cultural competence, work effectively in teams, and can negotiate and manage conflict; they demonstrate constructive engagement with diverse populations and viewpoints; and they exhibit empathy in their work with others and demonstrate the ability to motivate and/or follow others.
  • Communicators. Graduates are active listeners and respond constructively; they read, write, speak, listen, and present on a level that facilitates engagement with others.
  • Principled and ethical citizens. Graduates make reasoned, ethical decisions and learn from mistakes; they demonstrate the values of integrity, responsibility, perseverance, and tolerance of ambiguity.
  • Career-ready professionals. Graduates organize and prioritize their work; they translate acquired knowledge and skills to real-world applications, are competent in the use of technology and mathematical/numerical operations, and actively develop strategies for continuous improvement in the areas of time management, documentation, self- evaluation, self-determination, and personal and professional growth. These outcomes are given in numerical reference for improved tracking; these values do not establish hierarchal emphasis. Each outcome is of equal importance.