Ohio Wesleyan University facts for kids
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| Motto | In lumine tuo videbimus lumen (Latin) |
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Motto in English
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In Your Light We Shall See the Light |
| Type | Private liberal arts college |
| Established | September 1842 |
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Religious affiliation
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United Methodist Church |
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Academic affiliations
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| Endowment | $236.3 million (2020) |
| President | Matthew vandenBerg |
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Administrative staff
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200 |
| Undergraduates | 1,600 |
| Location |
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U.S.
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| Campus | Suburban, 200 acres (81 ha) |
| Colors | Red Black |
| Nickname | Battling Bishops |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division III – NCAC |
| Mascot | The Battling Bishop |
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Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) is a private college in Delaware, Ohio. It focuses on liberal arts education. Leaders from the Methodist church and people from Central Ohio started it in 1842. OWU is part of the Five Colleges of Ohio, which is a group of liberal arts colleges in Ohio.
The campus covers about 200 acres (81 hectares). It is located 27 miles (44 km) north of Columbus, Ohio. The university includes its main campus, the Perkins Observatory, and the Kraus Wilderness Preserve.
Contents
How Ohio Wesleyan Started
Founding the University (1841–1855)
In 1841, two Ohio residents, Adam Poe and Charles Elliott, wanted to create a top-notch university. They bought the Mansion House Hotel, which used to be a health resort with a special Sulphur Spring. Local people helped raise the money for this purchase. Poe and Elliott wrote a plan for the university that focused on "democratic teaching." The Ohio State Legislature approved this plan.
In 1842, they opened a school to prepare students for college. They also formed a group of leaders called a board of trustees. Ohio Wesleyan University officially opened on November 13, 1844. It was named after John Wesley, who started Methodism. The university was connected to the Methodist church but welcomed all students. At first, only male students could attend the College of Liberal Arts.
Edward Thomson, the first president, said in 1846 that the school was a "product of the liberality of the local people." This idea of freedom and openness led Ohio Wesleyan to speak out against slavery in the 1850s.
Growing Bigger (1855–1930)
In the mid-1800s, Ohio Wesleyan worked to attract more students and add new subjects. They also raised a lot of money. In 1855, Sturges Hall became the university's first library. In 1873, they added a Natural History Department.
In 1877, the Ohio Wesleyan Female College, which started in 1853, joined with the university. This meant women could now attend Ohio Wesleyan. Student numbers tripled between 1876 and 1888. More music classes were also added.
By the late 1800s, Ohio Wesleyan had many new schools. These included schools for Music (1877), Fine Arts (1877), Public Speaking (1894), and Business (1895). To support these new areas, the university improved its buildings and classes. University Hall, Slocum Library, and new sports facilities were built.
Between 1891 and 1895, Ohio Wesleyan created specific departments for many subjects. These included physics, zoology, geology, speech, history, French, English, and economics. This helped students prepare for advanced studies and even study in Europe. In 1896, they also started professional schools for law and medicine.
In 1905, the university decided to remain a college, even though it had "university" in its name. They removed the Bachelor of Science degree, keeping only the Bachelor of Arts. Two students became Rhodes Scholars in 1905 and 1909. Edwards Gymnasium was built in 1906. In 1907, the Phi Beta Kappa honor society started a chapter on campus. In 1909, Sanborn Hall was added for the Music Department.
In the 1920s, the rules for getting a bachelor's degree became less strict. Latin and mathematics were no longer as important. During President John W. Hoffman's time (1916–1928), the preparatory school and Business School closed. Also in the 1920s, daily chapel services stopped, and sororities were formed. Ohio Wesleyan also built more buildings like Selby Stadium, Austin Manor, and Perkins Observatory.
Changes in Learning (1930–1984)
During the Great Depression, fewer students enrolled, and alumni donations decreased. This caused money problems for the college.
To help, the university changed its classes in the early 1930s. Subjects like business and economics became very popular. More students came from big cities and other countries. By the 1930s, Methodist students were a smaller group among all students. The university's official ties to the Methodist church became looser.
In 1946, Ohio Wesleyan started a new "Centennial Curriculum." This required students to take classes in both sciences and humanities. New dorms, Thomson and Bashford Halls, were built between 1951 and 1954. In the 1960s, the university focused on teaching values and added more international studies. They also started a Women's Studies Program and an International Business major.
Thomas Wenzlau became president in 1968. Students protested and ended the ROTC program in 1970. Students also wanted more say in how the university was run. During this time, student test scores went down, and the university gained a reputation for being a "party school." This led to problems between the president and students.
Recent Times (1984–Present)
In 1985, President David Warren made it harder to get into the university. He also helped Ohio Wesleyan get more attention in the media.
Ohio Wesleyan has received many awards for its academics and sports. A 1986 study named it one of the top liberal arts colleges for science. The Battling Bishops sports teams have won several national championships in men's basketball (1988) and men's (1998, 2011) and women's (2001, 2002) soccer.
Like many liberal arts colleges, Ohio Wesleyan has seen fewer students enrolling recently. The class entering in 2017 was 9% smaller than the year before.
Ohio Wesleyan continues to build and improve its campus. The Hamilton-Williams Campus Center opened in 1991. The Memorial Union Building was updated in 2001. The Schimmel/Conrades Science Center opened in 2004, adding 52,000 square feet (4,800 m2) for science classes. In 2011, the Meek Aquatics Center opened. In 2018, the university opened the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center. In 2019, Ohio Wesleyan announced a big plan to spend $60 million to renovate dorms and build new apartments.
What Students Learn
University Overview
| USNWR Liberal Arts College | 116 of 185 |
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| Washington Monthly Liberal Arts | 158 of 199 |
Ohio Wesleyan University is approved by The Higher Learning Commission. It is also a member of several groups of colleges, including the Great Lakes Colleges Association and the Five Colleges of Ohio. This group also includes Kenyon College, Oberlin College, The College of Wooster, and Denison University.
In 2011, Ohio Wesleyan accepted about 52% of its regular applicants. About 35% of accepted students received scholarships. The university has a "need-blind admission" policy. This means they do not consider how much money a student's family has when deciding to admit them.
As of 2010, OWU had 1,950 students from 43 states and 57 countries. About 47% were from Ohio, and 11% were international students. The student body is diverse, with students from many different backgrounds. The university welcomes students from all cultures and walks of life.
There are 142 full-time teachers at the university. As of 2010, all teachers who have permanent positions (called "tenure") have a PhD or another advanced degree. The student-to-teacher ratio is 11:1, meaning there are 11 students for every teacher. Teachers lead all classes. Almost 60% of classes have fewer than twenty students.
Classes, Degrees, and Majors
New students get an academic advisor in their first year. This advisor helps them with their classes. After completing enough courses, students can earn degrees like Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Music. As of 2019, OWU offered almost 90 different majors.
In the early days, OWU focused on classical studies like Greek, Latin, and math. These subjects were thought to help students think clearly. Science classes were added in 1849 and are now a key part of the learning. OWU also has a well-known music department.
Based on 2021 graduates, the most popular majors were:
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Psychology
- Sports, Kinesiology, & Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration & Management
- History
- Political Science & Government
Focus on International Studies
Ohio Wesleyan has always valued learning about other countries. Since the 1800s, the college has made connections with schools around the world. In 1879, an OWU graduate named Elizabeth Russell started Kwassui Women's College in Nagasaki, Japan. This was important because women's education was not common in Japan at the time. Today, Kwassui College is a top school for young women in Japan.
In 1899, another graduate, William Ehnis, went to Africa. He opened a school in Mutare, Zimbabwe, which later became the Africa University.
The university also shows its international focus by having many students from other countries. Since 1983, U.S. News & World Report has listed Ohio Wesleyan among colleges with the highest number of international students. The United Nations flag and flags from over sixty other countries fly in University Hall. This shows the university's belief in peaceful international relations.
Many students also participate in study abroad programs. Ohio Wesleyan has exchange programs with Waseda University in Japan and the University of Salamanca in Spain. These programs allow students to study in other countries and learn about different cultures.
Libraries
The Beeghly Library is the main library at OWU. It has almost 500,000 books. It also holds special collections like old books, manuscripts, and items related to the university's history.
The Hobson Science Library is located in the Schimmel Conrades Science Center. It helps students and teachers with research in earth, life, and physical sciences.
OWU has 11 full-time librarians. Each academic department has a librarian who specializes in that subject. There is also a full-time archivist who takes care of historical records.
Campus Life
The Ohio Wesleyan campus is right next to downtown Delaware. Sandusky Street, the main street in the city, goes through the campus. This street divides the campus into two parts. The east side has mostly academic buildings, and the west side has mostly dorms and administrative offices. Many new facilities have been built recently, improving science, art, and sports programs.
Other Facilities and Programs
OWU has several facilities outside the main campus. These include The Philadelphia Business Center, Wesleyan in Washington, The New York Arts Program, Perkins Observatory, The Strand Theatre, and the Kraus Wilderness Preserve.
Perkins Observatory is in Delaware, but not on the main campus. It is named after Hiram Perkins, a former math and astronomy professor. When it was built in 1931, it had the third-largest telescope in the world. That telescope has since moved to Arizona. The Perkins dome now has a 32-inch (810 mm) telescope, which is the second-largest in Ohio.
The university also has offices for study abroad, U.S. study, and internship programs. For example, Wesleyan in Washington allows students to study and work in Washington, D.C. for a semester. The Philadelphia Center offers many internship chances. The New York Arts Program helps arts students get hands-on experience in New York City.
Connecting with the Community
OWU has strong ties with the City of Delaware. Students take part in many educational, social, and cultural programs in the community. The Columbus Initiative, started in 1989, is a program where OWU students tutor and mentor students from Columbus public schools. Over 150 Ohio Wesleyan students help through this program.
The Ohio Wesleyan Ambassadors Program (ISAP) helps share different cultures and ideas in the local community. It also helps international students learn about American culture. Ambassadors visit local schools and participate in events for local groups.
Student groups work with local residents on community issues. Progress OWU allows students to share their ideas on politics and social issues.
Cultural programs also connect with the community. In the 1960s, Ohio Wesleyan gave the Arts Castle to the City of Delaware. It is now the Delaware County Cultural Arts Center. The Arts Castle offers many art classes and programs for the community. In 2004, OWU received a donation to fix up the historic Strand Theatre in downtown Delaware.
The university and the City of Delaware also host several events together. These include the Delaware Arts Festival, the Little Brown Jug horse race, and the Delaware County Fair. The Delaware Arts Festival is an annual event with over 170 booths featuring local artists.
Student Life
Clubs and Activities
Ohio Wesleyan University has 95 student clubs and groups. The university has three chapels and several Christian and other religious groups. Students can join clubs for many interests, like chess, ultimate frisbee, finance, and medieval sword fighting.
There are two a cappella singing groups: "The OWtsiders" (started in 1999) and "Pitch Black" (all-female, started in 2005). "The Babbling Bishops" is an improvisational comedy group that started in 1990. They perform improv comedy shows.
Students interested in helping the community can join groups like "Young Democratic Socialists." They can also be part of student government groups like the Campus Programming Board. The "PRIDE" organization offers support to students from diverse backgrounds.
About one-third of Ohio Wesleyan students are involved in Greek life. There are six fraternities and five sororities on campus. They often participate in charity and community programs.
OWU's oldest student groups are its writing clubs. The student-run weekly newspaper, The Transcript, is the oldest continuously published independent college newspaper in the U.S. The OWL is an annual literary magazine that features student writing. OWU Radio, formerly WSLN, broadcasts from Phillips Hall. It offers show times to students, teachers, and local people in Delaware.
The university also has a student government called the Wesleyan Council on Student Affairs (WCSA).
Student Action and Change
Student action has always been important at Ohio Wesleyan.
The first president, Edward Thomson, strongly supported ending slavery. Other people connected to the university have also fought against unfairness. Branch Rickey, an alumnus, helped break the racial barrier in baseball. Mary King, a civil rights activist, worked with Martin Luther King Jr. while she was at OWU. In the 1980s, Ohio Wesleyan stopped investing in companies connected to South Africa.
OWU has political groups from different viewpoints, like the College Democrats. There are also groups that raise awareness about important issues, such as Black Men of the Future, Black Student Union, PRIDE, Viva Latinx, and Rafiki Wa Afrika. Many students also work as interns for state representatives in Columbus.
Traditions
Many Ohio Wesleyan traditions come from its early years. Monnett Weekend, started in 1896, welcomes female alumni and friends. It includes a "People's Parade," faculty talks, Maypole dancing, and a carnival.
Since 1920, Ohio Wesleyan has held a Mock Convention every United States presidential election year. This event teaches students and local residents about the presidential election process and important issues.
In the 1920s, all new students had to wear "dinks," which were red caps with black brims. This tradition ended in the 1960s.
Ohio Wesleyan's Homecoming happens in early October. The football team plays one of its rivals during this event.
The President's Ball is a fancy event held in December. Other traditions include OWU vs. Denison, a sports rivalry with Denison University. The Sagan Colloquium features speeches about important topics in liberal arts. Orchesis is an annual celebration of modern dance and arts. "Fresh-X" is a program for new students to do outdoor activities and make friends before orientation.
A rock next to Hayes Hall has been on campus for 50 years. Students often repaint it with graffiti and slogans.
Where Students Live
The university can house up to 1,600 students on campus. First-year students must live in Smith Hall for their first two semesters. Older students use a lottery system to choose their dorms or get permission to live off-campus.
Housing options include dorms, small living units, fraternities, and cooperative housing. Thomson, Bashford, Stuyvesant, and Smith Halls are large dorms. Welch Hall is a "quiet" dorm for honors students. Hayes Hall is an all-female dorm.
About 90 older students live in Small Living Units (SLUs). These are houses where students live together and share chores. Each unit has 10–17 students and focuses on a common theme. The university owns these houses, so students must follow university rules. However, the students choose their own members and manage their house.
Only a small number of students live off-campus. This is usually allowed for students living with family in Delaware, Ohio.
Sports
Ohio Wesleyan is part of the NCAA's Division III. It is a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). The teams are called the Battling Bishops. Ohio Wesleyan competes in 25 men's and women's sports. New sports like men's wrestling and women's rowing started in 2018–2019. The school colors are red and black.
Sports officially started at the college in 1875 with football teams. In the late 1880s, Ohio Wesleyan had a very strong amateur baseball team. The school joined the Ohio Athletic Conference in 1902. In 1983, Ohio Wesleyan helped create the North Coast Athletic Conference. This conference brings together colleges that value academics more than sports.
The men's lacrosse, golf, and soccer teams have been the most successful. Soccer is the most popular sport at the university. Ohio Wesleyan has won the NCAC conference All-Sports Trophy many times for its excellent women's and men's sports.
Ohio Wesleyan has won five NCAA Division III Championships: men's basketball (1988), men's soccer (1998 and 2011), and women's soccer (2001 and 2002).
The nickname The Battling Bishops started in 1925. This is also the name of the university's mascot. The mascot is known for its unique name. Before 1925, the teams were called "The Red and Black" or "The Methodists."
Ohio Wesleyan has sports rivalries with other colleges in its conference. The men's lacrosse team has a rivalry with the Denison Big Red. The football team rivals the Wittenberg Tigers. The soccer team has a rivalry with the Kenyon Owls.
Besides varsity sports, students can join club sports teams like ultimate Frisbee, chess, indoor hockey, cricket, rugby, ski, and scuba. Ohio Wesleyan also has an intramural program with 16 sports.
"Oh we're from dear old Wesleyan" is Ohio Wesleyan University's main fight song. The words were written in 1914 by Chass Cupett.
People
University Leaders
The board of trustees has the legal power to run the college. The board has 34 members, including the president. The board usually chooses the president. Since Ohio Wesleyan started, sixteen people have been president.
After some disagreements, Mark Huddleston left Ohio Wesleyan in 2007. Dr. David O. Robbins became the interim president. On December 17, 2007, Dr. Rockwell "Rock" Jones was chosen as the 16th president. His official ceremony took place on October 10, 2008.
Famous Alumni
Ohio Wesleyan alumni (former students) are involved in many events and groups. For example, they participate in Homecoming and the 'W' Association. In 2005–2006, 35% of alumni donated money to the university. Many alumni have made important contributions in government, law, business, arts, and sports.
In science and academics, Frank Sherwood Rowland (class of 1948) won the 1995 Nobel Prize for chemistry. He researched the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer. Ezra Vogel (1950) is a well-known author on China-Japan issues. William Hsiao (1963) is an economist at Harvard who studies international health.
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Shirin R. Tahir-Kheli
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In politics, Kathryn Barger (1983) is a supervisor for Los Angeles County. John Wesley Hoyt (1849) was the third Governor of the Wyoming Territory. Charles Fairbanks (1872) was the 26th Vice-President of the United States. Jo Ann Emerson (1972) was a U.S. Representative from Missouri. Arthur Flemming (1927) was a Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. He was known for supporting civil rights. Lucy Webb Hayes (1853), wife of U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, was the first woman to be called First Lady and the first First Lady to have a college degree.
Famous journalists and media personalities include Frank Stanton (1930), a president of CBS. Byron Pitts (1982) is a national correspondent for CBS News. Wendie Malick (1972) is an Emmy-nominated actress. Melvin Van Peebles (1953) was an actor, director, and composer. Patricia Wettig (1974) and Clark Gregg (1984) are also well-known actors.
Many Ohio Wesleyan alumni have worked for social justice. Branch Rickey (1904) was a baseball manager who signed Jackie Robinson. This made Jackie Robinson the first African-American in Major League Baseball. Mary King (1962) worked with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the U.S. civil rights movement. Rev. Norman Vincent Peale (1920) wrote The Power of Positive Thinking.
See also
In Spanish: Universidad Wesleyana de Ohio para niños
