University of Saint Francis (Indiana)
The University of Saint Francis (USF) is a private Catholic university in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The university promotes Catholic and Franciscan values. The school's 2017–18 enrollment was 2,364 undergraduate and graduate students, the majority of whom come from states in the Midwest, primarily Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio.[3]
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Type | Private, Liberal arts |
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Established | 1890 (details) |
Religious affiliation | Catholic Church (Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration) |
President | Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF |
Students | 2,212 (Fall 2016)[1] |
Undergraduates | 1,810 (Fall 2016) |
Postgraduates | 402 (Fall 2016) |
Location | , , United States |
Campus | suburban: 107 acres (43 ha)[2] |
Athletics | NAIA |
Colors | Royal Blue and White |
Nickname | Cougars |
Affiliations | NCA |
Website | www |
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History
The University of Saint Francis was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1890. The campus moved to its current Fort Wayne location in 1944 to the estate of the former industrialist John H. Bass. The school, originally known as Saint Francis College, has remained in Fort Wayne and gradually expanded, adding a graduate school in 1960. Increased athletic programs for the Cougars, primarily football, as well as construction of athletic fields and residence halls and acquisition of the Lutheran College of Health Professions in the 1990s produced remarkable enrollment growth. It was renamed University of Saint Francis in 1998.
Campus
The university's campus covers 107 acres (0.43 km2) and has some 40 buildings, including four residence halls.
Brookside Mansion
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Brookside Mansion, a castle-like mansion that was originally the home of the John H. Bass family, is a focal point of the university and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building originally housed the entire college, and has served as the university's library, as well as dorms and a dining area. The mansion is now primarily used for offices, although special events and meetings often take place in the building as well. In 2009, the building was renovated, including interior and exterior touch-ups of the original artwork and design.
Pope John Paul II Center
The Pope John Paul II Center is also a main place of activity at the university. Completed in 2006, the building houses the Lee and Jim Vann Library, Registrar's Office, faculty offices, the Campus Shoppe, and classrooms.
The Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center
In the summer of 1998, the university purchased the former property of the Standard Oil warehouse, which had become polluted with oil residue. In the spring of 1999, the university—with a grant from the City of Fort Wayne and the State of Indiana—cleaned the ground, water, and surrounding area.
Satellite facilities
The university maintains a satellite campus in Crown Point, Indiana, about 120 miles (190 km) northwest of the main campus in Fort Wayne.
Academics
University rankings | |
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Regional | |
U.S. News & World Report[4] | 86 |
The university comprises the following schools:
- School of Creative Arts
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership
The School of Creative Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
EPIC Program
The Busse EPIC programs give students the opportunity to earn 2+ years of paid, for-credit work experience and graduate in 4 years. EPIC students spend 4-6 month rotations in each of the key functional areas of successful businesses while taking a reduced course load.
Athletics
USF's mascot is the Cougars. The university competes at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) (NAIA Division II level for basketball) as a member of the Crossroads League, formerly known as the Mid-Central College Conference (MCCC). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, dance, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball.
Notable alumni
- Tom Henry, B.A., M.B.A, 35th mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Steve Yoder, M.S.E., 1970, men's basketball coach at Ball State University from 1977 to 1982
References
- National Center for Education Statistics. University of Saint Francis-Ft Wayne.
- "Locations". University of Saint Francis. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- "IPFW Enrollment Declines". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- "Best Colleges 2020: Regional Universities Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved September 8, 2019.