The History and Academics of Iowa Wesleyan University
Iowa Wesleyan University, formerly a private institution in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, holds a significant place in the history of American higher education. As Iowa's first coeducational institution and the oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi River, it fostered a legacy of academic innovation and community engagement for many years. Although the university has closed, it is important to examine its history, academic offerings, and impact.
Founding and Early Years
In 1841, a group of Methodist settlers in Mount Pleasant began advocating for the establishment of an institute of higher learning. Their efforts led to the Iowa Territorial Legislature granting a charter for the Mount Pleasant Literary Institute on February 17, 1842. The institution was soon renamed Mount Pleasant Collegiate Institute. Despite obtaining the charter, initial progress in organizing and fundraising was slow. In March 1843, four Mount Pleasant residents donated twenty acres of land for the campus. That same month, organizing officials hired Artistides J. From February 1855, the school was known as Iowa Wesleyan University, honoring John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. The institution's name was modified to Iowa Wesleyan College in 1912, reflecting its contemporary status as a four-year baccalaureate degree institution.
Campus and Historic Significance
The university occupied a 60-acre central campus with a mix of historic red brick buildings and modern structures. Two buildings, Old Main and the Harlan-Lincoln House, were listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting the university's historical importance.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
Iowa Wesleyan University provided a wide range of academic programs, with over 1,000 courses and 47 majors, designed to provide students with numerous opportunities to explore their interests. The university emphasized a vibrant community where every voice contributed. Students could explore unexpected connections, discover what’s truly possible, and pursue their ideas and passions to create the future they envision. For instance, one student noted being drawn to the open curriculum, which allowed them to take classes in the social sciences and humanities while maintaining a strong STEM background. Another student highlighted the role of art in imagining new worlds and shaping the future. The university fostered an environment where students could choreograph their lives, connecting diverse fields such as dance and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Financial Challenges and Closure
Despite its long history, Iowa Wesleyan University faced significant financial challenges. In 2018, the university was on the verge of closure but managed to continue operating through donations from alumni and a $26 million loan from the United States Department of Agriculture. However, in 2023, the board of trustees voted unanimously to close the university after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds deemed a $12 million loan unfeasible. The decision to close Iowa Wesleyan University was based on a combination of financial challenges, including increased operating costs due to inflationary pressures, changing enrollment trends, a significant drop in philanthropic giving, and the rejection of a proposal for federal Covid funding by Governor Reynolds.
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The closure announcement was met with sadness by the Board of Trustees, who acknowledged the many questions and emotions surrounding the decision. The immediate priority was the students, faculty, and staff. The university secured four teach-out agreements with William Penn University, Upper Iowa University, University of Dubuque, and Culver-Stockton College to ensure students could complete their degrees on time and at a comparable cost. President Plunkett and her leadership team worked closely with faculty and staff to prepare for the closure.
Military Department and Greek Life
Iowa Wesleyan maintained an active Military Department beginning in the late mid-1800s. Students organized as a corps of cadets and received training under United States Army officers. Ulysses G. McAlexander (1891 to 1895) and Charles L. were among Iowa Wesleyan's commandants. Greek life was also well established, with the Beta chapter of Alpha Xi Delta sorority being the oldest on campus since 1902 and the oldest chapter of Alpha Xi Delta in the country. The P.E.O.
Athletics
The Iowa Wesleyan athletic teams were known as the Tigers. From 1989 to 1991, Hal Mumme served as head football coach, with Mike Leach as his offensive coordinator. The women's basketball teams qualified for the USCAA Division I national tournament in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
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