William Woods University: A Legacy of Education and Transformation

William Woods University, located in Fulton, Missouri, boasts a rich history rooted in compassion and a commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities. From its humble beginnings as a school for orphaned girls to its current status as a comprehensive university offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, William Woods has evolved significantly over the past century and a half.

The Founding and Early Years: A Mission of Compassion

The story of William Woods University began in 1870, in the aftermath of the Civil War. The Christian Church of Missouri, driven by a sense of compassion, established the Female Orphan School of the Christian Church of Missouri in Camden Point. The school’s initial mission was to provide care and education to girls who had been orphaned by the war.

As the school grew, it faced financial challenges. In 1889, after a fire, the church decided to relocate the school. Several communities expressed interest in hosting the institution, but Fulton emerged as the frontrunner, offering a compelling package of $56,000 and land donated by Daniel M. Tucker, who had previously contributed land to Synodical College.

The school resumed operations in Fulton in the fall of 1890. Recognizing the changing needs of the community, the school broadened its scope to include young women who were not war orphans, expanding its offerings to include courses for those aspiring to become teachers.

A Pivotal Moment: The Woods Family's Generosity

At the dawn of the new century, the institution faced a critical juncture. Briefly known as Daughters College, the school was struggling financially. In 1900, Dr. William Stone Woods, a successful Missouri entrepreneur, and his wife stepped in to save the school from insolvency. Their generous contribution paid off the school’s entire debt. In gratitude for their extraordinary act of philanthropy, the institution was renamed William Woods College in honor of Dr. Woods.

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Growth and Evolution: From College to University

In 1962, William Woods College achieved accreditation as a four-year undergraduate institution, marking a significant milestone in its academic development. This accreditation validated the quality of its programs and solidified its position as a respected institution of higher learning.

During this period, William Woods College and Westminster College, also located in Fulton, forged a cooperative program that allowed students from each school to enroll in classes at the other. This innovative collaboration enabled the colleges to optimize resources, particularly in specialized and expensive advanced courses. Faculty members often taught classes on both campuses, and the libraries integrated their catalogs to enhance access to resources for students at both institutions.

By the mid-1970s, the partnership between Westminster and William Woods had flourished, resulting in thirteen joint majors and approximately 300 students from each college participating in courses at the other. Westminster students, for example, could pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or teacher certification by completing advanced coursework at William Woods.

A New Era: Co-education and Graduate Programs

In 1979, Westminster College's decision to admit female students marked a turning point for the cooperative agreement between the two institutions. William Woods officials believed this decision violated the agreement, leading to increasing restrictions and an eventual weakening of the cross-enrollment program, which concluded in the mid-1990s. William Woods transitioned to a co-educational institution in 1997, opening its doors to male students.

In 1990, William Woods welcomed its first woman President, Dr. Johnae Barnett. Under her leadership, the college expanded its offerings to include online and evening graduate programs in Business and Education, catering to the needs of working adults. With the addition of graduate degrees, William Woods College officially became William Woods University in 1993.

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Campus Landmarks: Dulany Auditorium and Academic Building

The William Woods University campus in Fulton is home to several notable buildings, each with its own unique history and significance. Two favorites of the campus community are Dulany Auditorium and the William S. Woods Academic Building.

The William S. Dulany Auditorium, constructed in 1907, stands as a testament to the generosity of Mrs. D.M. Dulany, who contributed $7,500 towards its construction in memory of her husband. The auditorium features stunning stained-glass portrait windows depicting D.M. Dulany, W.H. Dulany, and Benjamin L.

The William S. Woods Academic Building, often referred to as the Academic Building by students, is a three-story brick structure that houses administrative offices, classrooms, and faculty offices. Completed in 1921, the Academic Building is a central hub of academic life on campus.

Traditions and Student Life: The Ivy Chain Ceremony

Traditions play an important role in the William Woods University experience. One of the most cherished traditions is the "Ivy Chain" ceremony. The Ivy Ceremony marks the start of the students' college life. When freshmen arrive on campus for their first semester, they cross the bridge as part of an ivy chain, symbolizing their entry into the college community. At their graduation, the ivy will be cut during another ceremony, held at commencement, symbolizing separation from college and the beginning of a new life. The tradition is believed to have been started in 1899 when members of the graduating class planted ivy on campus.

Rosa Parks Center

The Rosa Parks Center, a Missouri Division of Youth Services (DYS) center for incarcerated girls, is located on the WWU campus in a former university dormitory. The center houses 10-12 girls at a time, and WWU students are involved with the center.

Athletics

The William Woods athletic teams are called the Owls. William Woods football joins Heart of America conference

Alumni

William Woods University has more than 25,000 alumni. Carol Bartz, former president & CEO of Yahoo!, is an alumna of William Woods University.

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