McKendree University: A Legacy of Education in Lebanon, Illinois

Introduction

Founded in 1828, McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois, holds the distinction of being the oldest college or university in the state. From its humble beginnings as Lebanon Seminary to its current status as a comprehensive university, McKendree has a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence. This article explores the university's history, academic offerings, campus life, and notable alumni.

A Historical Overview

Early Beginnings and Name Changes

McKendree University's story began with its establishment as the "Lebanon Seminary" in 1828. Pioneer Methodists founded the school, and it maintains ties to the United Methodist Church. The institution opened in two rented sheds with 72 students under the direction of Edward Raymond Ames.

In 1830, Bishop William McKendree, the first American-born bishop of the Methodist Church, authorized the board of trustees to rename the institution "McKendree College." Bishop McKendree later deeded 480 acres (194.2 ha) of land in Shiloh, Illinois, to endow the college. Reverend Peter Akers became the first president of the newly named college in 1833. He served as president three times and received the college's first honorary degree, a Doctorate of Divinity. In 1835, the Illinois legislature granted the college one of the first charters for independent church colleges. To reflect its growth and expanded offerings, the school was renamed McKendree University beginning in the 2007-08 academic year.

Growth and Development

Under the leadership of former president James M. Dennis, beginning in 1994, McKendree experienced significant enrollment growth. In 2001, the college launched a capital campaign that raised over $20 million for campus improvements, including the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, also known as The Hett.

Academics and Accreditation

McKendree University offers a wide array of academic programs across four colleges and schools. Students can choose from over 50 undergraduate majors, 45 minors, and master's degrees in business administration, criminal justice, education, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling. McKendree also offers a doctoral program in education, allowing teachers and administrators to pursue a specialist degree. The university has campuses based in Lebanon, Illinois, as well as Radcliff, Shepherdsville and Louisville in Kentucky.

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The university is committed to providing a high-quality education, which is reflected in its accreditation. McKendree has been fully accredited by the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission since 1915 and received its ten-year renewal in 2003-2004. McKendree's School of Education is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" edition ranks McKendree University in the top tier of Midwest regional universities.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1 and more than 50% of classes having fewer than 14 students, McKendree provides a personalized learning environment. Over 90% of the faculty have earned a Ph.D., demonstrating the university's commitment to academic excellence.

Campus Life and Facilities

McKendree University's main campus is situated on a wooded 235 acres (95 ha) in Lebanon, Illinois, approximately 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. The campus is laid out in roughly a rectangle bordered by Stanton Street and College Hill Cemetery to the west and Monroe St. to the east, North Alton St. and Summerfield St.

Key Facilities

The Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (The Hett): This $10 million, 34,400-square-foot (3,200 m2) theater opened in September 2006 and includes practice and storage space for the McKendree University band, choral department, and faculty offices.
The Marion K. Piper Academic Center (PAC): The PAC serves as the student union and the center of campus, with the library located directly to the northwest.

Student Housing

McKendree offers three different types of residence halls: traditional dorm style, suite style, and apartment style. Traditional-style halls are predominantly for freshmen and are co-ed by floor. The suite-style and apartment-style halls are predominantly for upperclassmen; freshmen are not allowed to live in McKendree West Apartments. Suite-style residence halls are located in a 70-student complex on the eastern edge of campus called The Suites. The suites are co-ed by suite and include three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a common area. McKendree West Apartments are the university-owned apartment-style residence housing option, housing approximately 380 students and is co-ed by apartment. They are located a half mile from the main campus. In 2010, the university broke ground for two new residence halls designed in a modern glass-and-brick style to blend with the campus's modern and historic buildings. Each new hall is a three-story structure connected by a two-floor glass bridge.

Athletics

The McKendree athletic teams are called the Bearcats. Prior to joining the NCAA, McKendree was a member of the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) from 1912-13 to 1937-38.

Student Body

McKendree enrolls approximately 1,960 students representing 25 countries and 29 states. The undergraduate program has an average of 51% females and 49% males.

Notable Alumni

McKendree University has produced a number of successful alumni in various fields, including:

Michelle Embree: Novelist
Bill Cofield: Basketball coach
Christine Brewer: Musician
James H. Wilson: US Senator
Charles S.: US Senator

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tags: #mckendree #university #lebanon #history #academics