Educating for Purpose (E4P)

Faith, Reason,Life

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About the Program

How UST educates for purpose

The Educating for Purpose Program (E4P) is the first university program worldwide that integrates Catholic Social Teaching into the curriculum across all disciplines. We nurture a vibrant Catholic culture that prepares students to excel in their professions, confront real-world challenges, champion human dignity, and pursue the common good. 

Focus on the Human person

An education in the good life

The rapid advancement of technology in the age of AI requires a deep vision of human flourishing. Throughout history, the greatest achievements of Western civilization – from the genius of Archimedes and Leonardo Da Vinci to the leadership of Saint Joan of Arc and George Washington – were driven by a sense of greatness and a dedication to others. 

 

After building a foundation in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition through the Core Curriculum, students apply these ethical and spiritual principles directly in their chosen majors. This unique synthesis of universal values and specialized training is the hallmark of the University of St. Thomas education, equipping graduates to enter the workforce with both high-level professional competence and an unparalleled sense of purpose. 

Faculty E4P Team

Faculty Leading E4P

USTfaculty-Economics&Finance-Ulysses-Balderas-2026-11
Economics
Finance
J. Ulyses Balderas, Ph.D.
University of St. Thomas crest
Education
Beth Barrette, D.Ed.
University of St. Thomas crest
Management & Marketing
Beena George, Ph.D.
University of St. Thomas crest
Education
Anne Gichuri, Ph.D.
USTfaculty-Management&Marketing-Sujin-Horwitz-2026-5
Management & Marketing
Sujin Horwitz, Ph.D.
USTfaculty-Psychology-Jo-Meier-Marquis-2026-4
Psychology
Jo Meier-Marquis, Ph.D.
USTfaculty-Philosophy-Mirela-Oliva-2026-14
Center for Thomistic Studies
Philosophy
Mirela Oliva, Ph.D.
Timothy-Reilly-4398-edit
Psychology
Timothy Reilly, Ph.D.
Fr. Eduardo Rivera

Campus Chaplain
E4P Consultant

Manuel Fernandez

Instructional Designer, Teach Online
IT Consultant

Any questions?

Contact Us

Dr. Mirela Oliva, Program Director

E4P in the classroom

Participating Courses

See the faculty and courses below who actively engage in Educating for Purpose activities. 

Experimental Psychology
Management Senior Seminar
Foundations of Service
Church Confronts Modernity
Scientific Communication
Chemical Engineering Capstone
Electrical Engineering Capstone
Mechanical Engineering Capstone

Share your e4P story

Student Essay Contest

Deadline December 1 

Go Deeper

Catholic Social Teaching Resources

Papal Encyclicals

Magnifica Humanitas (2026)

Fratelli Tutti (2020)

Charity in Truth (2009)

Faith and Reason (1998)

The Gospel of Life (1995)

On Human Work (1981)

Of Human Life (1968)

Of New Things (1891)

Studies

Church, State, and Society (2025)

“The four basic principles of Catholic social teaching” (2020)

Become a Celt Today

Educating for purpose transforms lives

Because we believe every person is created in the image of God and saved through the love of Christ, we welcome and inspire students of all faiths to discover their higher purpose and serve their communities. 

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