The Obesity Prevention Center is committed to the scholarship of discovery reflected in our mission: To discover new knowledge through research that integrates social, behavioral, cultural, and physical factors critical to understanding problems, implementing programs, and developing policies designed to prevent obesity; To apply this knowledge to the practice of preventing obesity, through partnerships with community and academic collaborators.

The Office for Community & Social Research (OCSR) advances the research, teaching and service mission of the College of Education and Public Service (CEPS) through the development, management and support of faculty-community grants, contracts, and services. OCSR and College staff, the College leadership team, and faculty fellows meet regularly to vet opportunities and proposals and engage broader university and community partners.

The Center, named after the University's patron saint, promotes critical and committed analysis of the Catholic tradition. Its thought-provoking programs solicit discussion of all aspects of Catholicism, including literature, history, fine arts, philosophy, theology and the natural and social sciences.

The Thomas More Center encourages faculty and student research and study through a minor program in Catholic Studies for undergraduates and a research grant program for Rockhurst faculty. Additionally, the Center provides continuing education opportunities and outreach programs to the community-at-large.

Established in the spring of 2000, the Center has already sponsored a course whose lectures have been published by the Rockhurst University Press — Catholicism at the Millennium: The Church of Tradition in Transition .