One of Ohio University's goals as set forth in the Vision Ohio Academic Plan is to ". . . be a nationally prominent research university that engages its students in learning and in society and is recognized for its ability to involve both undergraduate and graduate students in research and creative activities that best serve educational, social and economic needs." The Literacy Center founder, Dr. Edward W. Stevens, Jr., hoped that establishment of a center focused on literacy and language would initiate applied research projects aimed at solving problems of low-level literacy and language development. In keeping with these visions The Literacy Center is dedicated to research and partnership within the academic and regional communities.
The Literacy Center's goals in the area of Research and Creative Activity are:

• To be guided by a broad definition of literacy.
• To address issues of low-literacy and language development.
• To emphasize partnerships and collaboration.