Wesleyan University's Commitment to Education: A Partnership with Say Yes to Education and a Look at Wesleyan Higher Education

Since 1980, predictions of a serious decline in private education, leading to the closure of numerous private institutions, have circulated among higher education experts. Despite reductions in educational spending by federal and state governments, these predictions have not been entirely accurate. While some schools have disappeared due to a loss of support or failure to adapt, Wesleyan institutions have remained strong, partly due to the partnership between the schools and the Church, which has been healthy and consistent.

The Enduring Strength of Wesleyan Higher Education

One of the constant strengths of The Wesleyan Church that contributes to optimism about its future is its commitment to Wesleyan higher education. Over the last dozen years or more, the enrollment trend, in spite of a couple blips, has been stable or positive. This has been true of traditional undergraduate education as well as adult education.

Wesleyan Students: A Vital Connection

A key question is whether Wesleyan students are still considering Wesleyan colleges and whether these schools are serving the Church effectively. The answer is affirmative; over 1,000 traditional undergraduate students are Wesleyans, a trend that has persisted for the last generation. Approximately half of these students are ministerial students. These Wesleyan students receive significant financial aid from their schools, averaging nearly $10,000 per student, not including government and other outside aid. Specifically, Wesleyan students received $10,371,000 in financial aid from their schools.

Wesleyan churches provide educational support to the institutions as a portion of the United Stewardship Fund that all churches contribute. But interestingly, for every dollar in support going to Wesleyan colleges from the churches, nearly two dollars in scholarship aid is provided to Wesleyan students by the schools.

Ministerial Training: Anchoring Leadership Development

Ministerial training holds special importance for the Church. The establishment of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University has led to an increase in seminary education. Approximately 200 Wesleyans are pursuing graduate ministerial training at Wesley Seminary and other seminaries and graduate programs. Additionally, the FLAME program offers alternative training pathways for non-traditional age adults in churches. The undergraduate ministerial component at Wesleyan colleges remains vital to the Church’s future leadership development. Metrics indicate that core undergraduate training programs are remaining stable, even with the growth in graduate and non-traditional programs.

A Steadfast Mission Focus

Many have observed a growing scarcity of vital Christian education at the college level. Historically, Christian education was much more prevalent; at one time, 60% of all higher education in North America was decidedly Christian in its assumptions and focus. However, since the mid-20th century, most Christian schools have become more secular. Today, only 2-3% of all college students in North America attend an institution with an evangelically Christian character and mission.

Wesleyan colleges, including Houghton College, Indiana Wesleyan University, Kingswood University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and Southern Wesleyan University, remain committed to their founding purposes, the partnership with the Church, and a Christ-centered mission. The governing boards of these institutions, appointed by the Church, help ensure this mission, requiring active leadership to maintain a vital and effective relationship.

The Wesleyan Church, in contrast to trends in most other denominations in North America, has experienced steady growth in conversions, baptisms, attendance, and other metrics. The health and clear Christ-centered mission of its five colleges likely contribute to this growth.

Academic Excellence and Social Responsibility

Wesleyan institutions maintain a high overall quality, with academic programs validated by independent raters. Wesleyan was among more than 300 colleges and universities to issue a joint statement, “Care Counts in Crisis: College Admissions Deans Respond to COVID-19,” organized by the Making Caring Common Project and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This underscores a commitment to equity and encouraging students to balance self-care, meaningful learning, and care for others.

Admission Trends

Nancy Hargrave Meislahn, former vice president and dean of admission and financial aid, retired after admitting 20 classes to Wesleyan. Wesleyan received a record 13,358 applications for its Class of 2023, offering admission to 2,114 students (15.8%) from a highly competitive and diverse applicant pool. The university seeks diverse, socially conscious, and academically talented students with a wide range of interests.

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Wesleyan received 742 applications for early decision, a 16.6 percent increase over the previous year, marking its biggest pool ever in early decision. Applications from international students also saw a significant increase, up 75 percent, along with a 44 percent increase from students of color in the United States and a 56 percent increase from African American students.

Expanding Access: The Say Yes to Education Partnership

Continuing its tradition of expanding access to higher education, Wesleyan recently announced a new partnership with Say Yes to Education. Say Yes works with students from low-income backgrounds historically underrepresented in colleges and universities, from partner locations including Buffalo and Syracuse, N.Y., Harlem, Hartford, Conn. and, most recently, Guilford County, N.C. Students have access to full-tuition scholarships as well as a wide array of supports and services-academic, social, emotional, medical and legal-to help them successfully navigate the path to college readiness.

Nancy Hargrave Meislahn noted that the new students are superbly prepared and well-equipped to work across the arts and sciences curriculum. The range of talents, cultures, and family backgrounds in this group is remarkable.

Wesleyan Beyond the Traditional Classroom

Project-Based Learning

A new Academy for Project-Based Teaching and Learning encourages students and faculty to build knowledge and skills by investigating and responding to complex questions, problems, and challenges within and across disciplines. Hosted by Wesleyan's Center for Pedagogical Innovation, the Academy's project-based approach includes teaching significant content at the heart of each academic discipline, and cutting edge competencies in problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity/innovation. The Academy will help build capacity to increase the number of courses in the undergraduate curriculum that incorporate project-based teaching and learning methods.

Community Engagement and Global Awareness

Wesleyan’s Campus Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT) offers training courses to faculty, staff, and students interested in helping the campus community. Formed in 2009, C-CERT members are trained to assist first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize volunteers at a disaster site.

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Wesleyan hosts events such as the Student Groups Fair, providing students with an opportunity to meet with new and established groups and network with school departments. The university also engages in discussions on global issues, such as the European refugee crisis, with faculty panels examining the historical perspective.

Wesleyan showcases contemporary Latin American and Spanish film through a Hispanic Film Series, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. Additionally, the university welcomes individuals like Iraq War Veteran Drew Cameron to share their stories and engage the community through art projects like Combat Paper.

The Wider Landscape of Higher Education

While Wesleyan forges ahead with its unique partnerships and initiatives, it's important to consider the broader context of higher education. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone, there are more than 70 accredited colleges and universities, each with its own distinct focus and mission. These institutions range from large public research universities like the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Arlington to private universities like Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University. Each institution plays a vital role in educating and preparing students for a wide range of careers and contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of the region.

Diverse Educational Pathways

The landscape of higher education offers a multitude of pathways for students to pursue their educational goals. Community colleges provide accessible and affordable options for students to earn associate degrees and gain specialized career training. Technical colleges offer focused programs that prepare students for specific trades and industries. Public and private four-year colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines.

Organizations like Say Yes to Education play a crucial role in connecting students with these diverse educational opportunities and providing the support they need to succeed. By partnering with colleges and universities, Say Yes helps to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the chance to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.

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