7 United Methodist-Related Institutions Among Oldest in the U.S.
The United Methodist Church has strong roots in the history of higher education in the United States and across the globe. Education has been a core value of the church since the earliest days of the Methodist movement in 18th century England. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that education led to a fuller, richer life. Since the early 19th century, Methodist leaders in the United States have continued Wesley’s belief as they too championed greater educational accessibility by building UM-related institutions.
Among the oldest colleges and universities in each of the fifty states, seven are United Methodist-related.
Centenary College of Louisiana
Centenary College of Louisiana, a United Methodist-related schools, is the oldest college or university in Louisiana.
- Founded in 1825
- Located in Shreveport, LA
- Originally named College of Louisiana
- Fun Fact: It is also the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River.
McKendree University
McKendree University, a United Methodist-related school, is the oldest college or university in Illinois.
- Founded in 1828
- Located in Lebanon, IL
- Originally named Lebanon Seminary
- Fun Fact: McKendree is also the oldest in the nation with continuous ties to The United Methodist Church.
Southwestern University
Southwestern University, a United Methodist-related school, is the oldest college or university in Texas.
- Founded in 1840
- Located in Georgetown, TX
- Originally named Rutersville College
- Fun Fact: According to their website, Southwestern held the first-ever Homecoming on Wednesday, April 21, 1909, in Georgetown’s San Gabriel Park. Homecoming is now a tradition observed the world over.
Willamette University
Willamette University, a United Methodist-related school, is the oldest college or university in Oregon.
- Founded in 1842
- Located in Salem, OR
- Originally named Oregon Institute
- Fun Fact: Willamette is also the first university in the West and home to the region’s first law and medical schools.
Baker University
Baker University, a United Methodist-related school, is the oldest college or university in Kansas.
- Founded in 1858
- Located in Baldwin City, KS
- Fun Fact: The school was named after Osmon Cleander Baker, a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church (eventually The United Methodist Church), and was chartered during the Kansas territorial period.
University of Denver
University of Denver, a United Methodist-related school, is the oldest college or university in Colorado.
- Founded in 1864
- Located in Denver, CO
- Originally named Colorado Seminary
- Fun Fact: University of Denver’s first female and African American graduates earned their degrees in 1886 and 1900, respectively.
Rocky Mountain College
Rocky Mountain College, a United Methodist-related school, is the oldest college or university in Montana.
- Founded in 1878
- Located in Billings, MT
- Originally named Montana Collegiate Institute
- Fun Fact: In addition to The United Methodist Church, Rocky Mountain College is also historically related to the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Bonus: Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Of the thirteen United Methodist-related theological schools, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is the oldest.
- Founded in 1853
- Located in Evanston, IL
- Originally named Garrett Bibical Institute
- Fun Fact: The school’s founding benefactor was Elizabeth Garrett, wife of Chicago mayor Augustus Garrett. Convinced of a need for better educational training of Methodist peachers, she left a considerable inheritance in her will for the founding of a biblical institute.
