Midway University

Midway University, established in 1847, is a distinguished private institution with a rich and unique history, beginning its journey as the Kentucky Female Orphan School. This foundational commitment to education, particularly for young women, set a powerful precedent for its enduring mission. Today, Midway continues to build on this legacy, offering a vibrant learning environment for its 2,003 students, guided by its motto "Ama Vicinum Acte," fostering a community dedicated to growth and opportunity.

The university's roots are deeply intertwined with a pioneering vision for education. Opening its doors in 1849 with just one teacher and sixteen female students, the Kentucky Female Orphan School quickly established a remarkably rigorous curriculum. Early students benefited from an intensive program that rivaled modern high school and college preparations, encompassing subjects from advanced mathematics and sciences like trigonometry, physics, chemistry, and geology, to a broad range of humanities including classics, literature, and multiple histories.

This commitment to comprehensive intellectual development ensured graduates were exceptionally well-prepared. While sixteen credits were required, many students often graduated with an impressive twenty-five, demonstrating the depth and breadth of their studies. The early emphasis on "the development and corroboration of the moral constitution," "improvement of the intellectual powers," "development of the physical powers," and preparing students for a "livelihood, in the useful and honorable employment of their requirements" speaks to a holistic educational philosophy that continues to shape the student experience at Midway. Prospective students and their families can appreciate a university that values both academic rigor and personal growth, preparing individuals not just for careers, but for meaningful lives.