Drake University

Drake University
Name	Drake University
Established	1881
Type	Private
Endowment	$215 million (2020)
President	Earl F. "Marty" Martin
Students	4,774 (Fall 2021)
City	Des Moines, Iowa
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 150 acres
Colors	Blue & white
Nickname	Bulldogs
Affiliations	NCAA Division I – Missouri Valley Conference
Website	www.drake.edu

Drake University is a private university located in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 1881, it offers over 70 undergraduate majors alongside numerous graduate and professional programs. The institution is named for Francis Marion Drake, a Union Army general and former Governor of Iowa.

History

The institution was founded in 1881 by George T. Carpenter, a teacher and pastor, and Francis Marion Drake. Its creation was supported by the Disciples of Christ (Christian Church), though it has been non-sectarian since 1883. The original campus was situated on a donated tract of land west of Des Moines. Early growth was propelled by the establishment of professional schools, including a law school in 1865, which was later incorporated, and a pharmacy program. A significant early benefactor was United States Secretary of War John A. Hull, who facilitated the construction of several initial buildings. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded its academic offerings and physical plant, notably with the development of the College of Business and Public Administration and the School of Education. Key figures in its development include President Henry G. Harmon and longtime Iowa Supreme Court justice and law dean William C. Stuart.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Public Administration, the School of Education, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Law School, and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. It is classified among "Doctoral/Professional Universities" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Notable programs include its undergraduate actuarial science program, which is highly regarded, and the Drake Constitutional Law Center, a center for scholarship. The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement is also housed on campus. The institution maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and emphasizes experiential learning through internships, particularly with Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Des Moines.

Campus

The 150-acre urban campus is located in a residential neighborhood just north of downtown Des Moines. Historic landmarks include Old Main, the university's first building, and Cole Hall, named for early benefactor Frank C. Cole. The Meredith Hall complex houses the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Other significant facilities are the Harmon Fine Arts Center, the Science Connector Building, and the Knapp Center, which serves as the primary athletics venue. The campus also features the Drake Municipal Observatory and the distinctive Bell Center, home to the law school. The university's libraries include Cowles Library and the Law Library.

Student life

Student life is governed by the Student Senate and features over 160 student organizations. These include fraternities and sororities affiliated with the North American Interfraternity Conference and the National Panhellenic Conference, media outlets like the newspaper *The Times-Delphic* and radio station KDRA 94.1 The Dog, and numerous academic and cultural clubs. A major annual tradition is the Drake Relays, a premier track and field event that draws athletes from across the globe and includes a week of campus festivities. Other notable events include the Street Painting Festival and Dogtown After Hours.

Athletics

Athletic teams, known as the Drake Bulldogs, compete in the NCAA Division I as members of the Missouri Valley Conference for most sports. The football team competes in the Pioneer Football League. The university's athletic history is highlighted by the men's basketball team's appearance in the 1969 Final Four under coach Maury John. The women's basketball program has also seen success, making multiple NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament appearances. The Drake Relays, held annually at Drake Stadium, is one of the nation's most prestigious track and field meets, attracting elite competitors like Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, and Allyson Felix.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in law, politics, media, and business. In law and government, notable figures include former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, former Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Marsha Ternus, and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nancy B. Jackson. Media personalities include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former CNN president Eason Jordan, and NBC News correspondent Kerry Sanders. In business, alumni include former Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf and TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts. Other distinguished graduates are actor and Oscar nominee Michael Emerson and Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster Dave Van Horne.

Category:Universities and colleges in Iowa Category:Educational institutions established in 1881