Public institutions of higher education shall:
(1) Provide postsecondary education to students;
(2) Transmit culture and extend knowledge through general higher education;
(3) Teach and train students for careers and advanced study;
(4) Protect academic freedom;
(5) Promote civic responsibility;
(6) Enhance economic development of the State through research, training, and extension services to business and industry;
(7) Provide public services for citizens of the State; and
(8) Assure that women and minorities are equitably represented among faculty, staff, and administration, so that the higher education community reflects the diversity of the State’s population.