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Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1905
Founded
Private university
Type
663
Total Students
$31K
Tuition (In-State)
$31K
Tuition (Out-State)
$27K
Avg Net Price
77%
Acceptance Rate
28%
Graduation Rate
6-year
49%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Jim Dunn

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Oklahoma Wesleyan: Faith-integrated education on a historic Oklahoma campus.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) stands as a vibrant private institution dedicated to providing higher education within a distinct Christian environment. Tracing its roots back to 1905 through a series of antecedent schools, OKWU has evolved into a respected university known for its steadfast commitment to Wesleyan principles and robust academic offerings. Located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the university serves a community of over 1,200 students, fostering an atmosphere where faith and learning converge.

The university's rich history is a tapestry woven from several institutions, beginning with the Rocky Mountain Missionary and Evangelistic School in 1905. Through various transformations and strategic mergers, the institution eventually established its current Bartlesville campus in 1958, acquiring the historic La Quinta Mansion. This journey included mergers with significant schools like Miltonvale Wesleyan College and Pasadena Bible Training School, culminating in its accreditation as a four-year degree-granting institution in 1972 under the name Bartlesville Wesleyan College. This foundational period laid the groundwork for the comprehensive university it is today.

As Oklahoma Wesleyan University since 2001, the campus has continually expanded to enhance the student experience, featuring modern dormitories, the Campbell Science Building, the Haltom Campus Center, and the Mueller Sports Center for athletics. Students benefit from a campus deeply committed to its Christian mission, which guides not only academic programs but also institutional stances on contemporary issues. This environment encourages intellectual growth alongside spiritual development, preparing students to lead lives of purpose and impact within their chosen fields and communities, all within a supportive and values-driven setting.

Key Highlights

  • Established through antecedent schools dating back to 1905, embodying over a century of educational legacy.
  • A private university with 1,204 students, offering a close-knit, faith-integrated learning experience.
  • Affiliated with The Wesleyan Church, committed to higher education within a distinct Christian environment.
  • Achieved accreditation as a four-year, degree-granting institution in 1972.
  • Features the historic La Quinta Mansion, former home of oilman H.V. Foster, on its Bartlesville campus.
  • Campus facilities include the Campbell Science Building, Mueller Sports Center, and the Chapel Fine Arts Center.
  • Debuted its first intercollegiate athletic team, men's basketball, in 1971.

Timeline

1905
Rocky Mountain Missionary and Evangelistic School, an antecedent, was founded.
1909
Miltonvale Wesleyan College, another antecedent, was founded.
1958
Colorado Springs Bible College moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and began operating as Central Pilgrim College on the current campus, including La Quinta Mansion.
1960
Pasadena Bible Training School merged with Central Pilgrim College.
1968
Central Pilgrim College changed its name to Bartlesville Wesleyan College.
1972
Miltonvale Wesleyan College merged with Bartlesville Wesleyan College; BWC received accreditation as a four-year, degree-granting institution.
1979
Mueller Sports Center, the campus athletic center, was completed.
2000
The Chapel Fine Arts Center was dedicated.
2001
Bartlesville Wesleyan College officially became Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU).
2019
Jim Dunn became the current president.
🏛️
121 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Jim Dunn
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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