Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan University was established with community support in 1842, when the Rev. Adam Poe, pastor of Delaware’s William Street Church, encouraged the citizens of Delaware to raise funds to purchase a building and establish a university “of the highest order” in central Ohio. Ohio Wesleyan's charter provided that “the University is forever to be conducted on the most liberal principles, accessible to all religious denominations, and designed for the benefit of our citizens in general.” In the spirit of this heritage, the University defines itself as a community of teachers and students devoted to the free pursuit of truth. It attempts to develop in its students qualities of intellect and character that will be useful no matter what they choose to do in later life. The transmission, extension, and discovery of knowledge are central to the liberal arts tradition. While encouraging professional scholarship and feeling justifiably proud of its faculty and graduates who enjoy national or international reputations in their fields, the University has as its preeminent purpose to be a quality institution for teaching and learning. Because effective teaching is of the highest importance, members of the faculty regularly are reviewed and evaluated for excellence in teaching.