Drake University
Des Moines, IA
Quick Facts
“Veritas (Latin)”(Truth)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Drake University
Drake University: Where history meets innovation in a vibrant learning community.
Drake University, a private institution nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, has been a beacon of academic excellence and community engagement since its founding in 1881. Known for its strong professional programs and a commitment to civic leadership, Drake offers a vibrant learning environment for nearly 5,000 students. With a rich history deeply intertwined with national events, including hosting numerous U.S. presidential debates, Drake provides an educational experience that is both rigorous and relevant, preparing students to be leaders and engaged citizens.
The university's roots run even deeper than its official founding, with its prestigious Law School established in 1865, making it the second oldest west of the Mississippi River. This pioneering spirit defined Drake from its earliest days, welcoming its first international students from around the globe in 1886. Iconic buildings like Old Main, completed in 1883, stand as enduring symbols of Drake's legacy, having hosted pivotal moments in American politics and academia. This blend of historical prestige and forward-thinking education creates a unique backdrop for student growth.
Prospective students will find a wide array of academic strengths across Drake's colleges, including its top-tier Law School—a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools and home to a Congressional-funded Constitutional Law Center—and its re-established College of Pharmacy. The College of Education and the schools within Liberal Arts and Journalism also offer robust programs. Beyond academics, campus life thrives with modern facilities like the Knapp Center, a comprehensive athletic and recreation complex, and the Olmsted Center, the central student union. The recent addition of The Harkin Institute further cements Drake's role as a hub for public policy and citizen engagement, inviting students to actively participate in shaping the future.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1881, Drake is a private university serving 4,774 students with an endowment of $0.3 billion.
- ✦Home to one of the nation's 25 oldest law schools, established in 1865, it is a charter member of the AALS and accredited since 1923.
- ✦Old Main, the university's first permanent building (1883), frequently hosts U.S. presidential debates.
- ✦Welcomed its first international students from China, Persia, Armenia, and Japan in 1886.
- ✦The Drake Constitutional Law Center is one of only four such programs in the nation established and federally funded by the U.S. Congress.
- ✦The Knapp Center, a state-of-the-art athletic and recreation facility, hosted President Bill Clinton in 1996.
- ✦Since 2013, Drake University has been home to The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within Drake University
Drake University Law School
Established in 1865, it is the second oldest law school west of the Mississippi, a charter member of the AALS, and home to a Congressional-funded Constitutional Law Center.
College of Education
Evolved from the 1888 purchase of Callanan College, it prepares students to be teachers and serves over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
College of Pharmacy
Re-established in 1939, it traces its roots to an affiliation with the Iowa College of Pharmacy in 1887.
College of Liberal Arts
Expanded significantly with the opening of Meredith Hall in 1965, offering a broad range of academic disciplines.
School of Journalism
Opened its doors with the completion of Meredith Hall in 1965, providing specialized programs in media and communications.
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