Graceland University: A Legacy of Learning, Community, and Transformation

Graceland University, a private institution with campuses in Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri, stands as a testament to the enduring power of community, academic excellence, and transformative leadership. Founded in 1895 by the RLDS Church (now Community of Christ), Graceland has evolved into a dynamic university offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, both on-campus and online. With a rich history, a commitment to Christian values, and a forward-looking vision, Graceland University continues to shape the lives of its students and contribute to the broader community.

Historical Overview: From Graceland College to a Comprehensive University

Graceland University's story began in 1895 when the RLDS Church established Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. Church members donated land for the college, with Marietta Walker contributing the first 20 acres (8.1 ha). Colonel George Barrett, the land surveyor for the college, chose the name "Graceland" to reflect the graceful slope of the hill upon which it was built. Initially, classes were held in downtown Lamoni until the administration building was completed.

Graceland achieved a significant milestone in 1917 when it received accreditation from the states of Iowa and Missouri and the North Central Association of Colleges, becoming the first fully accredited junior college in Iowa. The institution transitioned to a four-year college in 1960, expanding its academic offerings and broadening its reach.

The university's nursing program has a long and distinguished history, dating back to 1910. It began as a cooperative program with the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital in Independence, Missouri, laying the foundation for Graceland's strong presence in the field of nursing education. In 1989, Graceland established the Partnership Program, which offered degree-completion programs on community college campuses, further extending its educational footprint. The acquisition of SkillPath, a business training company, in 1995, demonstrated Graceland's commitment to providing diverse and relevant educational opportunities.

Academic Programs: A Diverse and Transformative Curriculum

Graceland University offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across its campuses and online platforms. The Lamoni campus, the university's main hub, boasts over 50 academic programs, including 9 preprofessional programs and 35 undergraduate majors. The Independence campus focuses on graduate and undergraduate programs in the School of Nursing and the Edmund J. Gleazer School of Education.

Read also: Graceland University Legacy

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences forms the academic core of Graceland University, providing undergraduate education in the humanities, natural and physical sciences, and social sciences. With over 15 majors and minors, the college emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to learning. Key majors include biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, psychology, and sociology, along with programs in computer science, data science, criminal justice, and forensic psychology.

A distinctive feature of the college is its pre-professional tracks, such as pre-medicine, pre-law, and pre-pharmacy, which combine rigorous coursework with experiential learning opportunities to guide students toward advanced professional training. Instruction occurs in small, seminar-style classes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, enabling personalized mentorship and collaborative discussions. Graduates achieve high placement rates, with many pursuing advanced degrees in fields like medicine, law, and sciences or entering professional roles in education, research, and public service.

The college is organized into five divisions:

Division of Visual and Performing Arts
Division of Health and Movement Science
Division of Humanities
Division of Science and Math
Division of Social Science

Edmund J. Gleazer School of Education

The Edmund J. Gleazer School of Education prepares students for careers in teaching through a range of undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing practical skills and licensure. Named after former university president Edmund J. Gleazer Jr., the school offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education (K-6 endorsement) and Secondary Education (5-12 or K-12 endorsements), as well as options in Special Education, including Instructional Strategist I for K-8 and 5-12 levels. These programs are available on the Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri, campuses, with degree completion options designed for flexibility.

Pre-service teacher training integrates early field experiences beginning in the sophomore year, including placements in public and private schools across Iowa and Missouri, culminating in full-time student teaching. These hands-on opportunities emphasize real-world application, with an optional international student teaching component to broaden cultural perspectives. Graduates are eligible for Iowa teacher licensure upon successful completion of state exams, with reciprocity options for other states, preparing them for roles in K-12 settings. The programs boast strong alumni placement in elementary, secondary, and special education positions, contributing to a university-wide job placement rate of 71.5% shortly after graduation.

C.H. Sandage School of Business

The C.H. Sandage School of Business offers undergraduate programs with classes held on the Lamoni campus and degree completion programs held online and at regional campuses. The School of Business maintains a close partnership with the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, encouraging Graceland students who plan to attend graduate school to consider Seton Hall as an option.

The School of Business is tied to Graceland's Enactus team, which was founded in 1989. The team works internationally and locally, with recent winter term trips to Zambia, the Philippines, and Belize. The Graceland Enactus program has achieved national recognition, even advancing to compete at the Enactus World Cup in Paris, France, where it finished second to China.

In a move to equip students with skills for the modern world, Graceland University introduced Transformational Leadership as a second major for all students graduating with a 4-year degree. This unique program aims to develop skills and habits for lifelong success, incorporating foundational general education courses with new sections on life & leadership and strategic skills.

The C.H. Sandage School of Business has added two exciting majors: a 4-year bachelor's degree in Marketing and a 4-year bachelor's degree in Finance. Graceland also recently added a bachelor's in Data Science as well as a 4+1 program for a master's in data science and analytics.

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing is one of Graceland's most popular programs, offering classes on the Independence Campus and online. In the undergraduate nursing program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Registered Nurse), students complete four semesters of general education classes on the Lamoni campus, then transfer to the Independence campus to complete their final four semesters.

Graceland University has been educating nursing students for over 50 years, shaping the future of healthcare professionals in the country. With small class sizes and personalized learning, students benefit from one-on-one interaction with world-class faculty and professionals. Start dates are offered four times a year, providing flexibility for students to begin their graduate nursing education whenever they are ready.

The baccalaureate, master's, post-graduate APRN certificate, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in the School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Community of Christ Seminary

The Community of Christ Seminary serves as the official theological education institution for the Community of Christ denomination, emphasizing preparation for ministry through inclusive Christian scholarship. The seminary's core programs include the Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) and the Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation (MAPST). Both degrees are available fully online or with hybrid face-to-face intensives, accommodating working professionals and ministry practitioners.

Structured around a small cohort model that promotes personalized mentorship and collaborative learning, the seminary cultivates faithful, creative ministers via prayerful scholarship, teaching, service, and global ecumenical engagement. Unique to its approach is a strong emphasis on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and creating spaces of belonging for diverse participants, reflecting the Community of Christ's commitment to responsive ministry amid human needs.

Global Campus

Graceland offers online classes to students through its Global Campus program. Students can take the classes at their convenience, accessing course material online through the eCollege platform. The programs offered for online students include Bachelorâs and Masterâs degrees in Nursing and Education. The online delivery method allows students to access course material whenever they wish, at their convenient time. The faculty that teaches online students is as highly-qualified as the on-campus faculty.

Campus Life: A Vibrant and Engaging Community

Graceland University fosters a vibrant campus culture through a variety of traditions and organizations that emphasize community building and student engagement. With over 50 clubs and organizations, students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and develop their leadership skills. Intramural sports are a popular activity, with a high percentage of student participation.

Houses: Building Community and Leadership

Instead of fraternities and sororities, Graceland has residential social organizations called "Houses." These Houses are on Graceland's main campus, but the Independence campus has its own House, McKevit Manor. Students are assigned to a House whether they live on or off campus. Each House has officers who serve on Graceland's student government, forming a House Council.

House Council members plan social activities called "functions." Every year at Graceland's annual Homecoming weekend, the Campus Organization of Social Activities (COSA) puts on an Air Band competition, where male Houses are paired with female Houses (brother/sister Houses) and teams compete against each other in a choreographed dance competition.

Traditions: Celebrating Community and School Spirit

Graceland University has a rich tapestry of traditions that contribute to its unique campus culture. Weekly house meetings bring students together in their residence halls for activities that promote teamwork, communication, and house spirit. Air Band, a beloved student talent competition during Homecoming, features house pairings in choreographed, movie-themed lip-sync and dance performances. New Year's in November, an annual mid-November celebration sponsored by COSA, features a themed dance, countdown, and festive activities.

Performing Arts: Expressing Creativity and Talent

With the completion of the Shaw Center expansion, Graceland has placed a renewed emphasis on the performing arts. Graceland performance groups include Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Oratorio Chorus, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and Theatre. For the 2012â2013 academic year, Graceland doubled its number of annual theatre productions. The university also brings a variety of talent acts to campus.

Roy A. Cheville Chapel

The Roy A. Cheville Chapel on the Lamoni, Iowa, campus serves as the historic and central facility for worship and spiritual gatherings. Dedicated in 1978, the chapel provides an intimate setting for worship, theological education, and the performance of sacred music. Known for its excellent acoustics, it has been used for small ensemble performances.

Student Housing

Graceland University's Lamoni campus provides on-campus housing primarily through four traditional residence halls and apartment-style accommodations. Housing policies mandate on-campus living for all full-time Lamoni campus students unless exempted. The university's house system integrates housing with student governance, assigning first-year students to one of 17 houses across the four halls.

Leadership and Governance: Guiding Graceland's Future

Graceland University is led by its president, Dr. Joel D. Shrock, who was appointed to the role on September 10, 2024. The executive council supports the president in key administrative functions, comprising experienced professionals dedicated to operational and strategic oversight. Governance at Graceland University is directed by an active Board of Trustees, which includes alumni, professionals, and representatives affiliated with the Community of Christ. The board provides strategic guidance and oversight.

Under President Shrock's leadership, Graceland has pursued strategic initiatives focused on enrollment growth, expansion of academic opportunities, and sustainability efforts. These priorities include reimagining academic programs for transformative education, investing in campus experiences, and fostering a values-driven environment that supports student success and radical belonging.

Accreditation: Ensuring Quality and Excellence

Graceland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition to regional accreditation, several of the university's programs maintain specialized accreditations to ensure alignment with professional standards. The undergraduate Teacher Education program in the Edmund J. Gleazer School of Education is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education.

Athletics: The Yellowjackets

The Graceland athletic teams are called the Yellowjackets. Graceland competes in 22 intercollegiate varsity sports as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Key athletic facilities include Huntsman Field, the primary site for football and soccer competitions, and the John Rasmussen Soccer Complex, dedicated to soccer practices and matches. The Eugene E. and Julia T.

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