Drew University
Madison, NJ
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Drew University
Drew University: A pioneering liberal arts institution with deep theological roots and a history of innovation.
Drew University, nestled in New Jersey, offers a unique educational journey stemming from its rich history as a theological seminary. Today, it stands as a distinguished liberal arts university known for fostering a vibrant intellectual environment and an innovative approach to education. Students at Drew benefit from a close-knit community and a curriculum that emphasizes deep engagement with the humanities and interdisciplinary study, preparing them for a dynamic future.
The university's story began in 1867 when railroad magnate Daniel Drew donated Mead Hall to establish a Methodist theological seminary. This foundation laid the groundwork for a rich academic tradition. A pivotal moment arrived in 1928 with a generous $1.5 million gift from brothers Arthur J. and Leonard D. Baldwin, which led to the creation of an undergraduate liberal arts college, "Brothers College," and the seminary's renaming to Drew University. This expansion marked a significant shift, broadening its educational scope and setting the stage for its future growth as a comprehensive institution.
Drew has consistently demonstrated academic innovation. It was a trailblazer among liberal arts colleges, implementing the "Computer Initiative" in 1984 to provide all incoming freshmen with personal computers. Academic strengths include robust interdisciplinary programs, with majors like neuroscience and minors in fields such as American studies, museology, dance, and writing. The distinctive freshman seminar program allows first-year students to engage in intensive study with faculty who also serve as their academic advisors, fostering a personalized learning experience. Under the leadership of former governor Thomas Kean, study abroad opportunities significantly increased, further enriching the student experience. The university also boasts a Nobel Prize winner among its research fellows, reflecting a commitment to impactful scholarship.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1867 as a Methodist theological seminary, one of the third-oldest Methodist seminaries in the U.S.
- ✦Pioneered the "Computer Initiative" in 1984, becoming the first liberal arts college to provide personal computers to all incoming freshmen (until 2012).
- ✦Hosted Nobel Prize winner William Campbell, a research fellow who shared the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- ✦Under President Thomas Kean (1990-2005), the endowment tripled, and over $60 million was invested in new construction and building renovations.
- ✦Cut its undergraduate tuition list price by 20% in 2017 for the 2018-19 academic year to enhance accessibility and appeal to prospective students.
- ✦Brothers College (now College of Liberal Arts) was established in 1928 with a transformative $1.5 million gift.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
3 notable schools within Drew University
Drew Theological Seminary
The founding institution, offering professional training for ministry and making influential contributions to Methodist theology and biblical scholarship.
College of Liberal Arts
Formerly Brothers College, established in 1928 as an undergraduate liberal arts college, becoming coeducational in 1942.
Caspersen School of Graduate Studies
Established as the Graduate School in 1955, expanding graduate-level education with a focus on religious studies and humanities, later renamed in 1999.
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