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About Stanford

Stanford was founded almost 150 years ago on a bedrock of societal purpose. Our mission is to contribute to the world by educating students for lives of leadership and purposeful contribution; advancing fundamental knowledge and cultivating creativity; and accelerating solutions and amplifying their impact.

Excellence in teaching and research

Stanford provides students the opportunity to engage with big ideas, to cross conceptual and disciplinary boundaries, and to become global citizens who embrace diversity of thought and experience.

Access

Stanford is deliberate in our recruitment of a diverse student body, one in which all students have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and to think critically about their own views and preconceptions.

Community

Stanford is proud to be a citizen of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. Our flourishing residential campus is home to a community of creative and accomplished people from around the world, from a cappella singers to Olympic athletes.

More about the Stanford story

Governance

Portrait of Richard Saller

President Richard Saller

Academic leader and classics scholar Richard Saller became Stanford University’s 12th president on Sept. 1, 2023.

Persis Drell

Provost Persis Drell

Persis Drell is Stanford’s 13th provost, the chief academic and budgetary officer of the university.

Other Administration

The university is also governed by a Board of Trustees and Faculty Senate and supported by numerous offices.

Faculty 2,000+
Founded 1885
Students 17,000+