Butler University
Indianapolis, IN
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Butler University
A pioneer in coeducation and academic innovation, fostering diverse thought since 1855.
Butler University, established in 1855, stands as a testament to progressive education and inclusivity from its very inception. Founded with a visionary charter by Ovid Butler, the institution was revolutionary for its time, being only the second in Indiana and third in the United States to admit both men and women. Its non-sectarian and anti-slavery principles laid a foundation for an academic environment committed to liberal and professional education for all. This spirit of innovation continued with the establishment of Indiana's first professorship and department in English literature, further solidified by the nation's first endowed position for a female professor.
Over its rich history, Butler University has evolved through significant mergers and expansions, continuously strengthening its academic offerings. From its initial campus on Indianapolis's near northside to its move to Irvington and subsequent growth, Butler has steadfastly adapted to meet the needs of its students and the broader community. The university's commitment to diverse fields of study is evident in the formation of multiple colleges, integrating specialized education into its core mission.
Prospective students will discover a university with a deep-rooted commitment to pioneering education, where historical significance meets modern academic excellence. Butler's journey from North-Western Christian University to the comprehensive institution it is today showcases a dynamic environment focused on fostering intellectual growth and preparing students for meaningful careers. The university continues to be a vibrant center for learning, drawing on its past to inspire future generations of diverse scholars and leaders.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established on January 15, 1850, with a charter, opening its doors on November 1, 1855.
- ✦Among the earliest institutions in the U.S. (second in Indiana, third nationally) to admit both men and women.
- ✦Founded on a non-sectarian charter, committed to liberal and professional education free from the taint of slavery.
- ✦Home to the first professorship and Department of English literature in Indiana.
- ✦Endowed the Demia Butler Chair of English Literature in 1869, the first endowed position at an American university designated for a female professor.
- ✦Expanded its academic scope through mergers, incorporating colleges of Business, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Fine Arts, and Teachers College.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within Butler University
Teachers College of Indianapolis
Merged with Butler University in 1930, forming the university's second college.
College of Business Administration
Established in 1937 as Butler's third college, offering comprehensive business education.
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Formed in 1945 through a merger with the Indianapolis College of Pharmacy, providing specialized health education.
Jordan College of Fine Arts
Established in 1951 following a merger with the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music, focusing on arts education.
Christian Theological Seminary
Originally Butler's department of religion (1924), it became an independent seminary in 1958.
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