Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a private evangelical Christian university headquartered in Marion, Indiana affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. It is the largest private university in Indiana.[2][3][4]

Indiana Wesleyan University
Former names
Marion College (1920–1988)
MottoCharacter. Scholarship. Leadership.
TypePrivate
Established1920
AffiliationWesleyan Church
EndowmentUS $190,810,563[1]
ChancellorDr. Rodney Reed
PresidentDr. David Wright
Academic staff
1,070
Administrative staff
1,150
Students13,802[1]
Undergraduates2,969 (Marion campus) / 10,877 (all other campuses)[1]
Location
Marion
,
Indiana
,
United States
CampusSuburban
320 acres (1.3 km2)
NewspaperThe Sojourn
ColorsRed and Gray         
Athletics20 Varsity Teams
NAIA – Crossroads League
NCCAA Division I
NicknameWildcats
AffiliationsCCCU
MascotWesley the Wildcat
Websitewww.indwes.edu

The university system includes IWU—Marion, where nearly 3,000 students are enrolled in traditional programs on the main campus in Marion. IWU-National & Global, which includes more than 8,000 adult learners throughout the world who study online or onsite at 15 education centers in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio; and Wesley Seminary.[4]

IWU offers more than 80 undergraduate degrees, 57 graduate degrees and 9 doctorate degrees and students represent more than 80 Christian denominations and 10 foreign countries.[4]

History

IWU's campus was known first as Marion Normal College (1890–1912) and then as Marion Normal Institute (1912–1918).[5]

In 1918, the Marion Normal Institute relocated to Muncie, Indiana, and merged with the Indiana Normal Institute. After the union failed, the buildings and grounds were purchased for the State of Indiana and formed the basis for Ball State University. Because the Indiana Conference of The Wesleyan Methodist Church operated the Fairmount Bible School 10 miles (16 km) south of Marion, local citizens asked them to move to the vacant property and open a normal school in Marion. So from 1918 to 1919 the conference raised $100,000 to endow the school, moved the Fairmount Bible School to Marion, and added a new teacher education program to become Marion College. The actual year of incorporation was 1919; however, the first classes were not offered until the fall of 1920, which became the official year of inception.[6]

From 1920 to 1988, Marion College operated as a developing liberal arts institution with growing programs, offering the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees since the first graduating class of 1921. A Master of Arts in Theology was begun in 1924 and offered continuously until 1950. Master's degree programs were initiated again in 1979 in Ministerial Education and Community Health Nursing. Master's degree programs were begun in Business in 1988, in Primary Care Nursing in 1994, and in Counseling in 1995.

Having already established a liberal arts college, in 1983, university leadership decided to begin offering courses and degrees to working adults during evening hours and Saturdays, forming what would eventually become IWU National & Global. This decision proved to be very successful and massively affected IWU's future, eventually eliminating the school's sizable debt and funding the revitalization and expansion of the Marion campus, transforming the college into a major evangelical Christian university. To this day, IWU National & Global provides the majority of the funding used in campus renovation and construction projects, keeping student tuition at a relatively low level compared with other similar colleges.

Enrollment in IWU National & Global has grown substantially since 1985 when the first courses were offered. IWU has grown by more than 200 percent since 1990 to educate nearly 14,000 students, over 10,000 of whom are taking courses online or at IWU National & Global's regional Education Centers in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Site-based classes are held at 14 Education Centers: Indianapolis North and West, Fort Wayne, Kokomo, Greenwood, Merrillville, and Marion, Indiana; Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Louisville, Lexington, and Florence, Kentucky. Programs are also available at a number of learning sites located throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Since 1997, most of these programs have been available online.[7]

A new administration was initiated by the Board of Trustees with the presidency of Dr. James Barnes in 1987. The name of the institution was changed to Indiana Wesleyan University in 1988, reflecting the influence of the institution across the state - well beyond the boundaries of the city of Marion, its connection with The Wesleyan Church and Christian higher education, and the development of increasing numbers of graduate programs.[6]

Barnes served as president from 1987 to 2006 and is credited with transforming IWU from a small, struggling Christian college into one of the largest and most successful evangelical Christian universities in the world. Barnes served as the university's first chancellor from 2006 to 2010. In 2006, Dr. Henry Smith succeeded Barnes as president. In 2010, the Student Center was renamed the Barnes Student Center, in his honor.[8]

In 2008, the Board of Trustees approved a motion to begin the process of establishing Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University, an evangelical seminary affiliated with both the university and the Wesleyan Church. In 2009, the seminary was approved and accredited and opened for the fall 2009 semester. It offers the Master of Divinity degree along with other graduate theological degrees and has its own building, a result of the university receiving a substantial donation from the Green family, owners of the Hobby Lobby corporation. Wesley is the first officially affiliated seminary in the history of the Wesleyan Church.[9][10]

In 2012, Smith announced his resignation as president and reassignment as chancellor. He was succeeded as president by Dr. David Wright, who was inaugurated in 2013.[11]

In 2013, the Board of Trustees voted to acquire Wesley Institute (now Excelsia College), in New South Wales, Australia to create IWU's first international campus.[12]

IWU is the largest private university in Indiana. Among the 105 members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (the main organization of evangelical colleges in the U.S. and Canada), IWU is its largest member with nearly 14,000 students enrolled as of 2017. The next largest member, Azusa Pacific University, has approximately 10,000 students as of 2018.

Academics

The university offers various liberal arts (including 87 undergraduate majors) and professional educational programs leading to the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Divinity degrees, along with a doctoral program in Organizational Leadership.[13]

In 2000, the university organized its academic structure into three colleges; the College of Arts and Sciences (traditional four-year liberal arts education), the College of Graduate Studies (traditional semester-based graduate degrees), and the College of Adult and Professional Studies (non-traditional, accelerated programs for working adults). In 2009, the university realigned its academic structure into five Principal Academic Units: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Adult and Professional Studies, the Graduate School, the School of Nursing, and Wesley Seminary.[14][15]

Rankings

In 2013, the university was ranked 17th out of more than 150 universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.[16]

The university has the largest adult education program in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. In 2008, the CCCU selected IWU to establish The Research Center in Adult Learning, a joint project with the CCCU.[17]

Enrollment

Indiana Wesleyan's total enrollment has grown from a student total of 2,000 in 1987 to nearly 14,000 in 2017. This growth has made IWU the largest institution in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the largest private university in the state of Indiana.

The population of traditional students living in on-campus residence facilities increased from 442 students in 1989 to nearly 2,600 in the fall of 2008. There are nearly 3,200 students (undergraduate and graduate) enrolled at IWU's Marion campus as of 2017.

Enrollment in IWU National & Global's programs has grown from 1,250 students in 1989 to more than 10,000 students as of 2017.[18]

Main campus

Indiana Wesleyan University is noted for its award-winning 320-acre (130 ha)[19] main campus in Marion, Indiana. Since 1990, nearly $250 million has been spent on new construction and renovation, and the campus is valued in excess of $360 million. In the past 30 years, over 50 construction projects have been completed, including more than 15 residence facilities and 16 academic/administrative buildings, along with 11 adult and professional studies structures around the Midwest.[18][20]

Of special note are the university's student residence facilities, including 9 dormitories (all built since 1990) and several apartment structures. IWU was ranked #1 in the 2018 "Best College Dorms in Indiana" list and #16 on the United States list. The university is unique from most colleges in having air conditioning in every room and no community showers in any facility on campus.[21]

The university built the $22 million Chapel Auditorium (where chapel services are held three days a week), which was dedicated in January 2010. With 3,800 seats, it is one of the largest theaters in the Midwest. As one of the largest facilities of its kind in the nation, it was designed to attract major events to Marion, such as musical artists, speakers, and conventions. Visiting artists have included Relient K, Switchfoot, the Gaither Vocal Band, Michael W. Smith, and Lauren Daigle.

In 2016, IWU broke ground on a 2,500 seat, state of the art football stadium that cost approximately $9 million. Wildcat Stadium was completed prior to the 2018 football season.[22]

  • Phillippe Performing Arts Center (1996)
  • Hodson Hall (1996)
  • President's Home (1998)
  • Maxwell Center for Business and Leadership (1998)
  • Recreation and Wellness Center (1999)
  • Burns Hall (2000)
  • Globe Theatre, Student Center (2001)
  • Williams Prayer Chapel (2001)
  • John Wesley Statue (2003)
  • Jackson Library (2003)
  • John Wesley Administration Building (1894,2003)
  • Scripture Hall (2001) and Old University Fountain (2003)
  • Upperclassman Lodges (2005)
  • Student Center (1994,2001,2006)
  • Student Center Mall (2006)
  • Student Center Piazza (2006)
  • Beckett Hall (2007)
  • Elder Hall (2007)
  • Noggle Christian Ministries Center (1986,2008)
  • University Chapel (2010)
  • Wesley Seminary (2013)
  • Ott Hall of Science and Nursing (2014)
  • Eastburn Plaza and New University Fountain (2016)

Education Centers

IWU National & Global is represented in regional Education Centers throughout the midwest in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Site-based classes are held at 14 Education Centers: Indianapolis North and West, Fort Wayne, Kokomo, Greenwood, Merrillville, and Marion, Indiana; Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Louisville, Lexington, and Florence, Kentucky.

Society of World Changers

IWU created the Society of World Changers in 2003 to recognize nationally renowned figures who have exemplified the concept of world changers (those who impact their secular sphere of influence for Christianity) and whose lives can serve as an inspiration to future generations. Each year a World Changers Convocation is held on IWU's Marion campus to induct a new member into the Society and celebrate his or her accomplishments. A life-size bronze bust of each inductee is placed on permanent display in the Society of World Changers Hall of Honor located in the rotunda of the Jackson Library.[23]

Inductees
YearNameOccupation
2019Ernie Johnson, Jr.Sportscaster
2018Cheryl BachelderFormer restaurant executive
2017Richard StearnsFormer president of World Vision and author
2016Ravi ZachariasChristian apologist
2015John C. MaxwellLeadership coach and Christian author
2014Elizabeth DolePolitician and humanitarian
2013David GreenFounder of Hobby Lobby and Christian philanthropist
2012Kirk CameronActor and Christian evangelist
2011S. Truett CathyFounder of Chick-fil-A
2010Bill and Gloria GaitherChristian singers and songwriters
2009Joni Eareckson TadaChristian author, radio host, and advocate for disability community
2008Tony DungyFormer NFL coach and sportscaster
2007Ben CarsonFormer neurosurgeon
2005James DobsonChristian author and founder of Focus on the Family
2004Frank PerettiChristian author
2003Robert BrinerTV producer, sports executive, and Christian author

Music

The university's music department is most noted for its premier choir, the University Chorale. Throughout the year, the eighty voice ensemble regularly travels to many states, singing in churches across the country and performing before thousands of people each year. Most notably, the Chorale has performed several times at the internationally recognized Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, California and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The group has also toured throughout Europe on several occasions, singing in venues such as St. Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland; St Michael and All Angels' Church, Haworth, England; York Minster, York, England; Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, England; St Paul's Cathedral, London, England; Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Paris, France; and St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. The choir is made up of students in a variety of majors. Auditions are held at the beginning of each school year as hundreds of students audition for the open spots.[24] Other ensembles at IWU include University Singers, University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, One Voice, His Instrument, and Master's Praise. These groups perform on campus and regionally on a regular basis. Throughout the school year, students also perform a wide variety of solo and joint recitals. The Phillippe Performing Arts Center is home to the IWU Music Department.

Athletics
Main article: Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats

Indiana Wesleyan is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Crossroads League. The Wildcats also compete as a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I level.[25] Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field (indoor and outdoor). Women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball. IWU also fields a co-ed competitive cheer team. Indiana Wesleyan is the winningest school in Crossroads League history. IWU won the league Commissioners Cup a record twelve consecutive years, and placed among the Top 20 in the NAIA United States Sports Academy Directors' Cup Standings 13 straight years. The university was awarded the 2008 NCCAA President's Cup as the best overall athletic program in the nation, and shared the award with Cedarville University in 2009, the fourth time IWU won the award.[26]

Championships

Men's sports began Crossroads League play in 1968 and women's sports began league play in 1986. The university holds the record for Crossroads League championships with 135 titles as of 2018. The university has won 31 national championship titles, including 2 NAIA national championships from the record-setting 2006–2007 women's basketball team that went 38-0 and the 2012–2013 women's basketball team. IWU has won an additional 3 NAIA national championships in 2014, 2016 and 2018 in men’s basketball.[27] The other 26 titles are NCCAA national championships.[28]

Notable alumni
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References
  1. "Quick facts about IWU".
  2. "Profile for Indiana Wesleyan University". HigherEdJobs. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2010-05-04.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. "About IWU". Indwes.edu. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
  5. name="ReferenceB">"Christian College Indiana Wesleyan University - The IWU Story | Indiana Wesleyan University". Indwes.edu. 2006-07-01. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
  6. Elder, Marjorie. The Lord, The Landmarks, The Life. Marion: Indiana Wesleyan University, 1994.
  7. "Locations | Indiana Wesleyan University".
  8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-07-04. Retrieved 2007-07-28.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. "Indiana Wesleyan University" (PDF). Indwes.edu. 2012-11-01. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
  11. Beigh, Derek. "Indiana Wesleyan University Inaugurates President". Indiana Economic Digest. Chronicle-Tribune. Retrieved 2014-07-25.
  12. "Indiana Wesleyan Expanding to Australia, (10 July 2013), InsideIndianaBusiness.com". Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 2017-03-24.
  14. "Evangelical Christian University Committed to Liberal Arts and Professional Education | Indiana Wesleyan University". Indwes.edu. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
  15. "Academic Structure | About | Indiana Wesleyan University". Indwes.edu. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
  16. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-10-29. Retrieved 2015-11-02.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. "Center for Research in Adult Education". Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. 2013. Archived from the original on August 9, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  18. "Christian College Indiana Wesleyan University - The IWU Story | Indiana Wesleyan University". Indwes.edu. 2006-07-01. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
  19. "Quick Facts About Christian College in Indiana IWU | Indiana Wesleyan University". Indwes.edu. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
  20. "Distinctives | About | Indiana Wesleyan University". Indwes.edu. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
  21. "IWU ranked No. 1 best dorms in Indiana".
  23. "Indiana Wesleyan University World Changers - Christian College Role Models".
  24. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-05-29. Retrieved 2010-06-08.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  25. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-07-30.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  26. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-08-13. Retrieved 2009-08-23.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  27. "2018 NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship, presented by Cypress Risk Management" (PDF). Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  28. "Indiana Wesleyan University Athletic Department - Quick Facts". Iwuwildcats.com. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  29. "Press Releases". museumofthebible.org. Archived from the original on 2017-04-19. Retrieved 2019-09-03.

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