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Wabash College

Crawfordsville, IN

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

Scientiae et Virtuti (Latin)(For Knowledge and Virtue)

Wikipedia
Private liberal arts men's college
Type
835
Undergrad
$465M
Endowment
(2025)
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Scott E. Feller

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

About Wabash College

Wabash College: A distinguished men's liberal arts college fostering critical thought and leadership.

Wabash College, nestled in Crawfordsville, Indiana, offers a unique and transformative liberal arts experience for men. Established in 1832, it stands as one of only three non-religious, all-male four-year colleges in the United States, committed to its enduring motto "Scientiae et Virtuti" — For Knowledge and Virtue. Here, students don't just learn; they engage in a close-knit community dedicated to cultivating sharp minds, responsible actions, effective leadership, and humane living.

The college's rich history began with a vision to bring classical and moral education to the American frontier, famously dedicated in prayer by its founders kneeling in the snow. From its early emphasis on classical studies and rhetoric to its resilience in rebuilding after an 1838 fire, Wabash has consistently evolved. The early 20th century saw the introduction of the innovative Wabash Plan, a cornerstone of its academic philosophy emphasizing deep faculty-student dialogue, comprehensive senior exams, and interdisciplinary learning designed to challenge and inspire.

Academically, Wabash empowers students through 36 majors and minors, with popular fields including rhetoric, economics, history, and biology. A distinctive feature is the senior comprehensive examination, a rigorous written and oral assessment ensuring mastery in their chosen discipline. Beyond the classroom, Wabash fosters a vibrant student experience rich in traditions like Chapel Sing, Ringing In and Out, and the spirited Monon Bell Classic. With modern facilities and a strong alumni network, Wabash continues to embrace global learning, undergraduate research, and leadership initiatives like WabashX, preparing its graduates to make a profound impact on the world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1832, with a legacy spanning over 190 years in liberal arts education.
  • One of only three non-religious, all-male four-year colleges in the United States.
  • Features a distinctive senior comprehensive examination process with both written and oral components.
  • Pioneered the "Wabash Plan," emphasizing faculty-student dialogue and interdisciplinary learning.
  • Operates with a substantial $429 million endowment as of 2024.
  • Maintains a close-knit community with 835 undergraduate students.
  • Was the first college in America to stage Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Angels in America" in 1996.

Timeline

1832
Founded as "The Wabash Teachers Seminary and Manual Labor College" on November 21.
1833
Classes began, emphasizing classical education and theology.
1835
Elihu W. Baldwin became the college's first president.
1851
Renamed Wabash College.
1862
Joseph F. Tuttle began his presidency, overseeing campus expansion and increased emphasis on scientific education.
1903
President George L. Mackintosh instituted major academic reforms, including the development of the "Wabash Plan."
1941
Trained Navy officers through the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II.
1992
Reaffirmed its identity as a men's college through a campus-wide referendum.
1996
Became the first college in America to stage Tony Kushner's "Angels in America."

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Scott E. Feller
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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