Indiana Wesleyan University

A vision that began over 100 years ago has taken full form as todays Indiana Wesleyan University – a Christian comprehensive university committed to liberal arts and professional education.

IWU is an energized community. Its spiritually rich learning environment, academic commitment, and caring instruction develop in students the knowledge, skills, and disposition to change the world for Jesus Christ.

Marion College had humble beginnings. At the time of World War I, there was increasing talk of a college in Indiana to serve the heartland of the growing Wesleyan Methodist denomination. By 1919, The Wesleyan Methodist Church already had colleges in three other regions of the United States – Houghton College, Central Wesleyan College and Miltonvale College – but none were centrally located.

When trustees of the Indiana Conference of The Wesleyan Methodist Church agreed that same year to purchase Marion Normal Institute in Marion, Indiana, they were driven by a desire to establish an institution of higher learning in Indiana. Fairmount Bible School was in operation just a few miles away from Marion, but it didn’t provide the thorough training needed and desired by the Church. So, the founders set out to build an institution that trained students in various vocations – not just ministry – to serve God, resolving to keep Christ at the center and pursue academic excellence.

Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church. The University was founded in 1920 as Marion College and is committed to liberal arts and professional education.

Indiana Wesleyan is the largest member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the largest private college in Indiana, based on enrollment, and is one of the largest employers in Grant County.

Indiana Wesleyan University is an energized community committed to changing the world. We guide students in discovering their individual purpose and life calling and help them develop in character, scholarship, and leadership.