Oklahoma Wesleyan University: A Legacy of Faith and Learning

Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith-based education. Located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, this private university, affiliated with the Wesleyan Church, has a rich history rooted in the merger of several institutions and a steadfast commitment to Christ-centered education. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a respected institution offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, OKWU's journey reflects a dedication to developing servant leaders grounded in biblical principles.

From Rocky Mountain Roots to Oklahoma Soil

Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s history began in 1905 with the establishment of Rocky Mountain Missionary & Evangelistic School. In 1910, its name was changed to Colorado Springs Bible College. Colorado Springs Bible College was initiated by the Pilgrim Holiness Church to train students for full-time Christian service. The institution's story is woven from the threads of several merging schools, each contributing to its unique identity. These include the Colorado Springs Bible College (Colorado Springs, Colorado), the Pilgrim Bible College (Pasadena, California), and the Holiness Evangelistic Institute (El Monte, California).

Another key antecedent was Miltonvale Wesleyan College, founded in Miltonvale, Kansas, in 1909. Part of the Wesleyan Methodist denomination, Miltonvale Wesleyan College, for 63 years, aimed to initiate students to a Christian experience, intellectual training, social culture and physical development. A banner with the motto “Holiness Unto the Lord” summarized its mission. Miltonvale Wesleyan College was part of the Wesleyan Methodist denomination.

After financial challenges, schools merged with Western Pilgrim College. In 1958, a pivotal moment arrived when the Pilgrim Holiness Church acquired the La Quinta Mansion property in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, establishing Central Pilgrim College the following year. This acquisition provided a permanent home and a focal point for the burgeoning institution.

The La Quinta Mansion: A Storied Landmark

When the Bartlesville property was purchased, the La Quinta Mansion was the focal point. Previous owners used the property for a college, making the location suitable for Central Pilgrim College. The La Quinta Mansion, a stately structure with over eighty years of history in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, stands as a physical anchor, tying the ages together. Built in the 1930s for oilman H.V. Foster, it later served as a campus center for Central Pilgrim College and Bartlesville Wesleyan College. The mansion, listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NR 82003716), has housed the Oklahoma Wesleyan University library and administrative offices. Its architecture and careful renovations reflect the passion of local groups hoping to preserve history. The photos of students in times past are an example of how students have continually utilized this multi-purpose space. The Mansion is recognizable, yes, but most of all memorable, if not only for that first moment of seeing its tower rise on the horizon.

Mergers and Growth: Forging a New Identity

In 1968, the Pilgrim Holiness Church and the Wesleyan Methodist Church merged to form The Wesleyan Church. Consequently, Central Pilgrim College became Bartlesville Wesleyan College (BWC) in 1968. In 1972, Miltonvale Wesleyan College and Bartlesville Wesleyan College merged. Enrollment increased in the 1970s, and Bartlesville Wesleyan College experienced the largest increase of any four-year college in Oklahoma. With enrollment increasing at 97.4 percent, campus expansion became imperative. During this period, the campus expanded with the construction of a science building, a sports center, Scott Hall, and student cottages matching the Spanish architecture of the La Quinta Mansion.

Transition to University Status and Beyond

On August 31, 2001, Bartlesville Wesleyan College officially became Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Since earning key accreditations in 2004, OKWU has launched graduate programs like the MBA, M.Ed., MSN, DNP, and DBA, and expanded access through online degrees and dual enrollment. At the turn of the twenty-first century Oklahoma Wesleyan University was one of five colleges and institutions in the United States and Canada supported by the denomination. As a Christian, liberal arts institution, it offered graduate programs in business education and nursing. The university had an annual enrollment of approximately thirteen hundred students.

A Christ-Centered Education

We model a biblically centered way of thought, life, and faith as a vital part of The Wesleyan Church. Oklahoma Wesleyan University was founded by The Wesleyan Church to provide higher education within a Christian environment for Wesleyan youth. As an evangelical institution, OKWU holds regular chapel services centered around a different theme each year. This commitment to faith is evident in its mission to instill a biblically centered worldview in its students. OKWU is home to five schools offering undergraduate degrees in over 50 academic majors.

Campus Life and Athletics

Oklahoma Wesleyan University is a small, private institution located in Bartlesville, ok. OKWU fields 17 men’s and women’s athletic teams known as the Eagles. The Oklahoma Wesleyan (OKWU) athletic teams are called the Eagles. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference since the 2015-16 academic year. They are also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the Central Region of the Division I level.

Affordability and Admissions

Oklahoma Wesleyan University offers undergraduate degrees in 53 majors. SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required to apply. The degree program or major you pursue is major! Oklahoma Wesleyan University is known for one of its top majors: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Scholarships are a great way to cover your education costs-it’s free money you don’t need to pay back.

A Focus on the Future

Oklahoma Wesleyan University celebrates 120 years of Christ-centered education, marked by growth in high-demand programs and a commitment to developing servant leaders. As it moves forward, OKWU remains dedicated to its core values, preparing students to make a positive impact on the world while upholding its rich heritage.

Financial Information

Tuition: In-State $31,466; Out-of-State $31,466
Room and Board: $9,182
Books and Supplies: $1240

tags: #oklahoma #wesleyan #university #history #and #location