Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University, a distinguished private four-year college founded in 1850 in Bloomington, Illinois, stands as a testament to enduring academic excellence and a pioneering spirit. For over 170 years, IWU has cultivated a vibrant learning environment, renowned for its commitment to comprehensive education across the liberal arts and various professional fields.

Students at Illinois Wesleyan can immerse themselves in a rich array of academic programs. The College of Liberal Arts, formally organized in 1906, offers a foundational education emphasizing critical thinking and broad knowledge. For those inclined towards creative expression, the College of Fine Arts, established in 1948, provides robust schools of art, music, and theatre arts, fostering artistic talent and performance excellence. Moreover, the highly respected School of Nursing, inaugurated in 1959, offers a rigorous four-year baccalaureate program, preparing future healthcare leaders.

Throughout its history, Illinois Wesleyan University has championed inclusivity and diversity. The institution's board of trustees took courageous steps early on, formally inviting Black students to enroll in 1867 and women in 1870. This commitment to equitable education quickly bore fruit, with Hannah I. Shur becoming the first female graduate in 1872, and Gus A. Hill earning a law degree as the first African-American graduate in 1880. IWU also welcomed its first international students from Japan in 1889, underscoring its early embrace of a global perspective. This deep-rooted dedication to a diverse student body and a broad educational scope, including a former School of Law from 1873 to 1928, continues to shape the university's identity.