Developed through a reorganization and redirection of university academic and community outreach services, the office is designed to provide a wide array of specialized educational opportunities.  These include the educational and cultural enrichment opportunities critical to young students in the surrounding communities, technical training customized to meet the needs of workers in nearby businesses striving to compete in the high-tech work place, and the showcasing of the educational talent and expertise of Shawnee State's faculty and staff through distance education, integration of academic services, and research and development of cutting-edge programming.

The purpose of University Outreach Services is to provide leadership in program innovation, research, and development; sustain partnerships with regional educational, business and industry, and community organizations; and to offer diversified quality programming and services.