Drew University

Drew University. A private liberal arts university in Madison, New Jersey, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1867, it comprises the College of Liberal Arts, the Drew Theological School, and the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. The university is known for its focus on experiential learning, its historic Gothic Revival campus known as "The Forest," and its proximity to the cultural and professional resources of New York City.

History

The institution was founded in 1867 as the Drew Theological Seminary by financier Daniel Drew on the grounds of his former estate. Its initial purpose was to train ministers for the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1928, the institution expanded its mission with the establishment of the Brothers College, a liberal arts undergraduate college for men, which later became the coeducational College of Liberal Arts. A significant period of growth occurred under the presidency of Fred G. Holloway, who oversaw the creation of a graduate school in 1955. This school was later renamed the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies following a major gift from Oscar Caspersen and Barbara Morris Caspersen. The university has maintained its historic affiliation with the United Methodist Church while evolving into a comprehensive institution offering degrees through its three constituent schools.

Academics

The university is organized into three distinct schools: the College of Liberal Arts, the Drew Theological School, and the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. It offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and graduate programs, including distinctive offerings in Theatre Arts, Political Science, and Environmental Studies. A hallmark of its curriculum is the New York City Semester on Contemporary Art, which leverages its location for immersive study. The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies is particularly noted for its advanced degrees in Medical Humanities and History. The Drew Theological School remains a prominent center for theological education within the Mainline Protestant tradition. Faculty are actively engaged in research, with many receiving grants from organizations like the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Campus

The 186-acre campus, known as "The Forest," is located in the borough of Madison, New Jersey, and is noted for its dense tree cover and Gothic Revival and Colonial Revival buildings. The historic core includes Mead Hall, a National Historic Landmark that was originally the mansion of founder Daniel Drew. Other significant structures are the Rose Memorial Library, the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts, and the William E. and Carol G. Simon Forum and Athletic Center. The campus also features the Drew University Forest Preserve, a 53-acre designated natural area used for environmental research. Its location provides easy access to New York City via the Morristown Line of the New Jersey Transit rail system.

Student life

Student life is centered around more than 80 student-run organizations, including academic clubs, performing arts groups like the Drew University Dramatic Society, and media outlets such as The Acorn newspaper. A strong tradition of community service is facilitated through the Center for Civic Engagement. The university's athletic teams, known as the Drew Rangers, compete in the NCAA Division III Landmark Conference. Greek life is represented by several national fraternities and sororities. Major annual events include Founders Day and the Drew Forum speaker series, which has hosted notable figures like Madeleine Albright and Kofi Annan.

Notable alumni and faculty

Prominent alumni include actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith, former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean, and theologian James H. Cone. Other distinguished graduates are Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mona Van Duyn, former United States Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh Jr., and journalist Cokie Roberts. The faculty has included notable scholars such as theologian Will Herberg, philosopher Richard Rorty, and literary critic George deForest Lord. Former United States Poet Laureate Allen Ginsberg was a frequent visiting writer, and former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has served as a Global Affairs Fellow.