The department of history enthusiastically supports and contributes to Xavier University's commitment to being an institution for which the intellectual pursuit of the truth, enriched by value-oriented teaching and active scholarship, is the highest priority.

The history faculty engages in research and is active in a wide array of professional and civic organizations. It is, however, first and foremost a teaching faculty. The faculty is readily available to students during regularly scheduled office hours. Students are encouraged to participate in history-related activities outside the classroom. Classes are small, and students and faculty get to know each other on an individual basis.