William Woods University
Encyclopedia
William Woods University is a coeducational, independent, private university
of 3,800 students, representing most states and approximately 20 foreign countries. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines in both campus and outreach settings. WWU is situated in mid-Missouri approximately 100 miles (160.9 km) west of St. Louis
and 150 miles (241.4 km) east of Kansas City
in the town of Fulton
on a 200 acres (80.9 ha) campus.
The university was founded 1870 and although independent, has a historical affiliation to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association and is one of the top 100 universities in the Midwest, according to the 2011 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News Media Group.
The university offers unique undergraduate programs of study include an internationally recognized equestrian
studies program, a four-year American Sign Language
interpreting program, the first juvenile justice degree in the state and a criminal justice
degree with homeland security
emphasis. Graduate level programs are offered through the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) program, which offers graduate degree programs, degree completion programs, and select undergraduate programs at permanent sites in Fulton, Missouri
, Columbia, Missouri
, Jefferson City, Missouri
, Blue Springs, Missouri
, and Branson, Missouri
as well as temporary sites across Missouri and in Arkansas. All GPS programs use a cohort model, and are designed to offer convenience for working adults and an accelerated format.
Its athletics teams are known as the Owls and participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
as a member of the American Midwest Conference
.
. In 1901, the institution is named William Woods College, in honor of the physician and banker whose interest in the education of young women impelled him to endow the institution with substantial and repeated gifts throughout the century.
The historic campus in Fulton, Missouri
includes a large number buildings of various types, but two favorites of the campus community are Dulany Auditorium and the William S. Woods Academic Building.
Dulany Auditorium was built in 1907. Mrs. D.M. Dulany contributed $7,500 toward construction of the $24,000 building in memory of her husband. The stained glass portrait windows are of D.M. Dulany, W.H. Dulany and Benjamin L. Locke, all early supporters of the college.
The William S. Woods Academic Building, or the "Academic Building" as most students refer to it, is a three-story brick structure houses administrative offices, classrooms and faculty. It was completed in 1921.
, Columbia, Missouri
, Jefferson City, Missouri
, and Blue Springs, Missouri
, as well as temporary sites across Missouri, and in Arkansas.
American Sign Language (ASL) Studies B.A.,
Art B.A.,
Art B.S.,
ASL - English Interpreting B.S.,
ASL - English Interpreting B.A.,
Athletic Training B.S.,
Biology B.A.,
Biology B.S.,
Biology Education B.S.,
Business Administration B.S.,
Communication B.A.,
Communication B.F.A.,
Communication B.S.,
Education (Elementary) B.S.,
Education (Middle-Level) B.S.,
Education (Secondary) Certification,
Education (Special) B.S.,
Educational Studies B.S.,
English B.A.,
English Education B.S.,
Equestrian Science B.S.,
Equine Administration B.S.,
Exercise Science B.S.,
Graphic Design B.S.,
Graphic Design B.F.A.,
Graphic Design B.A.,
History B.A.,
History Education B.S.,
Interdisciplinary Studies B.A.,
Interdisciplinary Studies B.S.,
Legal Studies B.S.,
Management Information Systems B.S.,
Mathematics B.A.,
Physical Education (9-12) B.S.,
Physical Education (K-12) B.S.,
Physical Education (K-9) B.S.,
Political/Legal Studies B.A.,
Psychology B.A.,
Social Work B.S.W.,
Speech and Theatre Education B.S.,
Sport Management B.S.,
Studio Art B.F.A.,
Theatre B.A.
American Sign Language,
Art,
Biology,
Business Administration,
Chemistry,
Coaching,
Communications,
Criminal Justice,
Education,
English,
Equestrian Science,
Equine Administration,
Exercise Science,
History,
Management Information System,
Mathematics,
Music,
Physical Science,
Political/Legal Studies,
Psychology,
Social Work,
Sociology,
Spanish,
Sport Management,
Theatre
Degree Programs
Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration with various emphasis areas such as HR, agribusiness, and more, Master of Education - Special Education Director, Master of Education in Athletics/Activities Administration, Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, Master of Education in Elementary or Secondary Administration, Specialist of Education in Administration, Specialist of Education in Curriculum Leadership, Specialist with Principalship Certification, and Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.).
Additional programs are offered using the cohort model for working adults.
All new full-time undergraduate students admitted to William Woods University are eligible to take part in the LEAD Program which offers an award of $5,000 for residential students and $2,500 for commuter students per year to students who make a commitment to campus and community involvent.
Qualifying activities ("LEAD events") include lectures, films, concerts, seminars, intercollegiate athletic events, student/faculty exhibits and shows, involvement in student organizations and other campus or community activities.
The program received both national and international media attention when it was first announced in the spring of 2000. The Los Angeles Times
, New York Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
, Chicago Tribune
, BBC
, NPR
, and AP
all covered the launch.
The primary goal of the Office of Multicultural Affairs is to support students from every walk of life by coordinating, implementing, and promoting all-inclusive cultural programming. Fostering understanding and acceptance of racial, ethnic, gender, age, and other cultural differences. Providing informative presentations, which encourage discussions on current cultural issues. Scheduling relevant cultural film series. Offering professional development workshops and training to faculty, staff, and students.
The Office of Faith and Service provides programming aimed at the spiritual needs and interests of our students. In addition to regular chapel services, students can take part in a speakers' series (Tabletalk at the Woods), a film series (Faith on Film) as well as various small group discussions and service opportunities. Several student organizations with a spiritual emphasis are active on campus. Additionally, students will find a number of local places of worship from which to choose.
Counseling and Health Services provided physical health related services as well as counseling/mental health related services for students
and Phi Gamma Delta
, as well as four sororities including: Alpha Chi Omega
, Alpha Phi
, Chi Omega
, and Delta Gamma
as a member of the American Midwest Conference
. The university sponsors 13 sports including six men's: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track & field; as well as seven women's sports: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball.
In 1952, future U.S. President Ronald Reagan
gave a commencement address at the college in which he said that he "always thought of America as a place in the divine scheme of things that was set aside as a promised land." This is also a notable speech by the future President as it is one of his oldest surviving speeches.
Private university
Private universities are universities not operated by governments, although many receive public subsidies, especially in the form of tax breaks and public student loans and grants. Depending on their location, private universities may be subject to government regulation. Private universities are...
of 3,800 students, representing most states and approximately 20 foreign countries. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines in both campus and outreach settings. WWU is situated in mid-Missouri approximately 100 miles (160.9 km) west of St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
and 150 miles (241.4 km) east of Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
in the town of Fulton
Fulton, Missouri
Fulton is a city in Callaway County, Missouri, the United States of America. It is part of the Jefferson City, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 12,790 in the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Callaway County...
on a 200 acres (80.9 ha) campus.
The university was founded 1870 and although independent, has a historical affiliation to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Christian Church is a Mainline Protestant denomination in North America. It is often referred to as The Christian Church, The Disciples of Christ, or more simply as The Disciples...
.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association and is one of the top 100 universities in the Midwest, according to the 2011 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News Media Group.
The university offers unique undergraduate programs of study include an internationally recognized equestrian
Equestrianism
Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...
studies program, a four-year American Sign Language
American Sign Language
American Sign Language, or ASL, for a time also called Ameslan, is the dominant sign language of Deaf Americans, including deaf communities in the United States, in the English-speaking parts of Canada, and in some regions of Mexico...
interpreting program, the first juvenile justice degree in the state and a criminal justice
Criminal justice
Criminal Justice is the system of practices and institutions of governments directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, or sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts...
degree with homeland security
Homeland security
Homeland security is an umbrella term for security efforts to protect states against terrorist activity. Specifically, is a concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the U.S., reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do...
emphasis. Graduate level programs are offered through the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) program, which offers graduate degree programs, degree completion programs, and select undergraduate programs at permanent sites in Fulton, Missouri
Fulton, Missouri
Fulton is a city in Callaway County, Missouri, the United States of America. It is part of the Jefferson City, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 12,790 in the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Callaway County...
, Columbia, Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia is the fifth-largest city in Missouri, and the largest city in Mid-Missouri. With a population of 108,500 as of the 2010 Census, it is the principal municipality of the Columbia Metropolitan Area, a region of 164,283 residents. The city serves as the county seat of Boone County and as the...
, Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City is the capital of the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Cole County. Located in Callaway and Cole counties, it is the principal city of the Jefferson City metropolitan area, which encompasses the entirety of both counties. As of the 2010 census, the population was 43,079...
, Blue Springs, Missouri
Blue Springs, Missouri
Blue Springs is a city in Jackson County, Missouri and is a satellite city of Kansas City, Missouri. As of the 2010 census the population at 52,575.- Geography :...
, and Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a city in Taney County in the U.S. state of Missouri. It was named after Reuben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s....
as well as temporary sites across Missouri and in Arkansas. All GPS programs use a cohort model, and are designed to offer convenience for working adults and an accelerated format.
Its athletics teams are known as the Owls and participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
as a member of the American Midwest Conference
American Midwest Conference
The American Midwest Conference is a NAIA college athletic conference with nine member institutions located in Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri in the United States.-Members:Notes:...
.
Campus
William Woods University is named after Dr. William Stone Woods of the National Bank of CommerceNational Bank of Commerce
The National Bank of Commerce was a U.S. bank of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It first chartered as the Kansas City Savings Bank in 1865. After a controlling interest was acquired by Dr...
. In 1901, the institution is named William Woods College, in honor of the physician and banker whose interest in the education of young women impelled him to endow the institution with substantial and repeated gifts throughout the century.
The historic campus in Fulton, Missouri
Fulton, Missouri
Fulton is a city in Callaway County, Missouri, the United States of America. It is part of the Jefferson City, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 12,790 in the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Callaway County...
includes a large number buildings of various types, but two favorites of the campus community are Dulany Auditorium and the William S. Woods Academic Building.
Dulany Auditorium was built in 1907. Mrs. D.M. Dulany contributed $7,500 toward construction of the $24,000 building in memory of her husband. The stained glass portrait windows are of D.M. Dulany, W.H. Dulany and Benjamin L. Locke, all early supporters of the college.
The William S. Woods Academic Building, or the "Academic Building" as most students refer to it, is a three-story brick structure houses administrative offices, classrooms and faculty. It was completed in 1921.
GPS Permanent Sites
WWU offers graduate degree programs, degree completion programs, and select undergraduate programs at permanent sites in Fulton, MissouriFulton, Missouri
Fulton is a city in Callaway County, Missouri, the United States of America. It is part of the Jefferson City, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 12,790 in the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Callaway County...
, Columbia, Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia is the fifth-largest city in Missouri, and the largest city in Mid-Missouri. With a population of 108,500 as of the 2010 Census, it is the principal municipality of the Columbia Metropolitan Area, a region of 164,283 residents. The city serves as the county seat of Boone County and as the...
, Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City is the capital of the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Cole County. Located in Callaway and Cole counties, it is the principal city of the Jefferson City metropolitan area, which encompasses the entirety of both counties. As of the 2010 census, the population was 43,079...
, and Blue Springs, Missouri
Blue Springs, Missouri
Blue Springs is a city in Jackson County, Missouri and is a satellite city of Kansas City, Missouri. As of the 2010 census the population at 52,575.- Geography :...
, as well as temporary sites across Missouri, and in Arkansas.
Majors
Accounting B.S.,American Sign Language (ASL) Studies B.A.,
Art B.A.,
Art B.S.,
ASL - English Interpreting B.S.,
ASL - English Interpreting B.A.,
Athletic Training B.S.,
Biology B.A.,
Biology B.S.,
Biology Education B.S.,
Business Administration B.S.,
Communication B.A.,
Communication B.F.A.,
Communication B.S.,
Education (Elementary) B.S.,
Education (Middle-Level) B.S.,
Education (Secondary) Certification,
Education (Special) B.S.,
Educational Studies B.S.,
English B.A.,
English Education B.S.,
Equestrian Science B.S.,
Equine Administration B.S.,
Exercise Science B.S.,
Graphic Design B.S.,
Graphic Design B.F.A.,
Graphic Design B.A.,
History B.A.,
History Education B.S.,
Interdisciplinary Studies B.A.,
Interdisciplinary Studies B.S.,
Legal Studies B.S.,
Management Information Systems B.S.,
Mathematics B.A.,
Physical Education (9-12) B.S.,
Physical Education (K-12) B.S.,
Physical Education (K-9) B.S.,
Political/Legal Studies B.A.,
Psychology B.A.,
Social Work B.S.W.,
Speech and Theatre Education B.S.,
Sport Management B.S.,
Studio Art B.F.A.,
Theatre B.A.
Minors
Accounting,American Sign Language,
Art,
Biology,
Business Administration,
Chemistry,
Coaching,
Communications,
Criminal Justice,
Education,
English,
Equestrian Science,
Equine Administration,
Exercise Science,
History,
Management Information System,
Mathematics,
Music,
Physical Science,
Political/Legal Studies,
Psychology,
Social Work,
Sociology,
Spanish,
Sport Management,
Theatre
Graduate College Academics
William Woods offers various graduate programs designed for full-time working professionals and most programs are completed in fewer than two years.Degree Programs
Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration with various emphasis areas such as HR, agribusiness, and more, Master of Education - Special Education Director, Master of Education in Athletics/Activities Administration, Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, Master of Education in Elementary or Secondary Administration, Specialist of Education in Administration, Specialist of Education in Curriculum Leadership, Specialist with Principalship Certification, and Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.).
Additional programs are offered using the cohort model for working adults.
LEAD (Leading, Educating, Achieving, and Developing) Program
The LEAD Program is an innovative program intended to encourage and reward the type of campus and community involvement that makes for a complete, well-rounded liberal arts background.All new full-time undergraduate students admitted to William Woods University are eligible to take part in the LEAD Program which offers an award of $5,000 for residential students and $2,500 for commuter students per year to students who make a commitment to campus and community involvent.
Qualifying activities ("LEAD events") include lectures, films, concerts, seminars, intercollegiate athletic events, student/faculty exhibits and shows, involvement in student organizations and other campus or community activities.
The program received both national and international media attention when it was first announced in the spring of 2000. The Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
, New York Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is the major city-wide newspaper in St. Louis, Missouri. Although written to serve Greater St. Louis, the Post-Dispatch is one of the largest newspapers in the Midwestern United States, and is available and read as far west as Kansas City, Missouri, as far south as...
, Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune
The Chicago Tribune is a major daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois, and the flagship publication of the Tribune Company. Formerly self-styled as the "World's Greatest Newspaper" , it remains the most read daily newspaper of the Chicago metropolitan area and the Great Lakes region and is...
, BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
, NPR
NPR
NPR, formerly National Public Radio, is a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following congressional passage of the Public Broadcasting...
, and AP
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
all covered the launch.
Student life
The university has approximately 1,000 undergraduate students from all over the U.S. and numerous other countries. William Woods also offers approximately 40 student organizations, including co-curricular, honorary, religious/faith-based, service/leadership, and social/academic/special interest.The primary goal of the Office of Multicultural Affairs is to support students from every walk of life by coordinating, implementing, and promoting all-inclusive cultural programming. Fostering understanding and acceptance of racial, ethnic, gender, age, and other cultural differences. Providing informative presentations, which encourage discussions on current cultural issues. Scheduling relevant cultural film series. Offering professional development workshops and training to faculty, staff, and students.
The Office of Faith and Service provides programming aimed at the spiritual needs and interests of our students. In addition to regular chapel services, students can take part in a speakers' series (Tabletalk at the Woods), a film series (Faith on Film) as well as various small group discussions and service opportunities. Several student organizations with a spiritual emphasis are active on campus. Additionally, students will find a number of local places of worship from which to choose.
Counseling and Health Services provided physical health related services as well as counseling/mental health related services for students
Campus Safety
Campus safety and security are matters of significant importance on the William Woods University campus. Personnel patrol the campus and provide a variety of protective and service-related functions. Safety officers work to provide a safe and orderly campus environment.Greek life
William Woods is home to two fraternities including Pi Kappa AlphaPi Kappa Alpha
Pi Kappa Alpha is a Greek social fraternity with over 230 chapters and colonies and over 250,000 lifetime initiates in the United States and Canada.-History:...
and Phi Gamma Delta
Phi Gamma Delta
The international fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta is a collegiate social fraternity with 120 chapters and 18 colonies across the United States and Canada. It was founded at Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, in 1848, and its headquarters are located in Lexington, Kentucky, USA...
, as well as four sororities including: Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Chi Omega is a women's fraternity founded on October 15, 1885. Currently, there are 135 chapters of Alpha Chi Omega at colleges and universities across the United States and more than 200,000 lifetime members...
, Alpha Phi
Alpha Phi
Alpha Phi International Women's Fraternity was founded at Syracuse University on September 18, 1872. Alpha Phi currently has 152 active chapters and over 200,000 initiated members. Its celebrated Founders' Day is October 10. It was the third Greek-letter organization founded for women. In Alpha...
, Chi Omega
Chi Omega
Chi Omega is a women's fraternity and the largest member of the National Panhellenic Conference. Chi Omega has 174 active collegiate chapters and over 230 alumnae chapters. Chi Omega's national headquarters is located in Memphis, Tennessee....
, and Delta Gamma
Delta Gamma
Delta Gamma is one of the oldest and largest women's fraternities in the United States and Canada, with its Executive Offices based in Columbus, Ohio.-History:...
Athletics
William Woods University athletics teams are known as the Owls and participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate AthleticsNational Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
as a member of the American Midwest Conference
American Midwest Conference
The American Midwest Conference is a NAIA college athletic conference with nine member institutions located in Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri in the United States.-Members:Notes:...
. The university sponsors 13 sports including six men's: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track & field; as well as seven women's sports: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball.
Alumni and Traditions
William Woods has more than 20,000 alumni across the US and around the world. There are many traditions associated with William Woods, including the "Ivy Chain." The Ivy Chain Ceremony marks the start of the students’ college life. When they graduate, the ivy will be cut during another ceremony, held at commencement, symbolizing separation from college and the beginning of a new life. The tradition is believed to have begun more than a hundred years ago when the Class of 1899 planted ivy on campus during a special graduation ceremony.In 1952, future U.S. President Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
gave a commencement address at the college in which he said that he "always thought of America as a place in the divine scheme of things that was set aside as a promised land." This is also a notable speech by the future President as it is one of his oldest surviving speeches.
Notable alumni
- LuAnn RidgewayLuAnn RidgewayLuann Ridgeway is an American attorney and politician, currently a Republican member of the Missouri State Senate.-Biography:Ridgeway was born and raised in Moberly, Missouri. She attended William Woods University and Westminster College, Missouri where she received a BA degree with Magna Cum Laude...
, a member of the Missouri State Senate - Helen StephensHelen StephensHelen Herring Stephens was an American athlete, a double Olympic champion in 1936.Stephens, nicknamed the 'Fulton Flash' after her birthplace Fulton, Missouri, was a strong athlete in sprint events - she never lost a race in her entire career - but also in weight events like the shot put and...
, Olympic Gold Medalist Berlin - Carol BartzCarol BartzCarol Ann Bartz is an American business executive, the former president and CEO of the Internet services company Yahoo!, and former chairman, president, and CEO at architectural and engineering design software company Autodesk....
, (Honorary Doctorate of Letters) Ex-CEO of AutodeskAutodeskAutodesk, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that focuses on 3D design software for use in the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, a coauthor of the first versions of the company's...
; former CEO and director of Yahoo.