In 1920, Marion College opened with 235 students and a bold idea: prepare people for every kind of calling, not just ministry, with Christ at the center.
Around the time of World War I, leaders of The Wesleyan Methodist Church wanted a college in the heart of Indiana. In 1919, trustees of the Indiana Conference bought Marion Normal Institute in Marion, Indiana. Their goal was clear: train students for a wide range of vocations, keep Christ at the center, and pursue academic excellence. More than a century later, that same vision drives everything IWU does.
Explore more than 100 years of growth, innovation and Christ-centered education.
1920s–1950s
Marion College opened in 1920 on the “Old Triangle,” beginning with five academic programs and 235 students. Through decades of change, the university remained committed to Christ-centered education and service.
1960s–1970s
The “Program of Progress” initiated a period of significant academic and physical growth for Marion College.
1980s–1990s
The launch of LEAP in 1985 transformed Marion College and opened the door to tremendous innovation and growth.
2000s–2010s
New schools, Wesley Seminary and an expanding global presence continued IWU’s growth, creating new opportunities to serve students across the U.S. and around the world.
2020s
Record enrollment, historic grants, and bold new initiatives launched IWU into its second century.
Students are choosing IWU in record numbers. Here's what they find when they get here.
IWU isn’t standing still. The Momentum Plan sets a bold goal: grow to a university of 20,000 students. To get there, IWU is focused on five strategic priorities: growing enrollment, strengthening technology, cultivating a culture of hospitality, improving through assessment, and stewarding resources faithfully. Here are a few of the initiatives leading the way.
Through Wesley Seminary and VIA Journeys, pastors find mentoring, education, and renewal in every season of ministry. A $10 million Lilly Endowment grant is helping bring VIA to life, serving seminary students from 38 states and 10 countries.
For more than 100 years, students have found their calling at IWU. Yours could be next. Find the program that fits where God is leading you.
