University of Mount Union

University of Mount Union is a private liberal arts university in Alliance, Ohio. Founded in 1846, it is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a comprehensive curriculum across numerous disciplines. The institution is known for its strong programs in the sciences, business, and education, as well as a robust tradition in NCAA Division III athletics.

History

The institution was founded in 1846 by Orville Nelson Hartshorn as a select school for men, originally named Mount Union College. Its early development was influenced by leaders of the Methodist Episcopal Church and it became a prominent center for Muskingum River region education. A significant milestone was the admission of women in 1854, making it one of the first colleges in Ohio to adopt coeducation. The school weathered financial challenges during the American Civil War and the Great Depression, evolving its curriculum and expanding its physical plant. It achieved university status in 2010 under the leadership of President Richard F. Giese, reflecting its growth in graduate and professional programs. The university's history is deeply intertwined with the industrial and civic development of Stark County.

Academics

The university is organized into the College of Applied and Social Sciences, the College of Arts and Humanities, and the College of Natural and Health Sciences. It offers over 70 majors and pre-professional programs, with notable strength in disciplines such as engineering, biology, neuroscience, and accounting. The School of Nursing provides a direct-admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in partnership with major healthcare systems like the Cleveland Clinic. Graduate programs include master's degrees in business administration, education, and physician assistant studies, as well as a doctoral program in physical therapy. The academic philosophy emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research with faculty, and study abroad opportunities, including exchanges with institutions like Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.

Campus

The 123-acre suburban campus is located in the city of Alliance, Ohio, approximately 20 miles from both Canton and Youngstown. Historic buildings include Miller Hall and Chapman Hall, which frame the central campus green. Modern facilities include the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center, the Giese Center for the Performing Arts, and the state-of-the-art Kolenbrander-Harter Information Center. The campus features the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex, which houses facilities for the Purple Raiders athletics teams. Recent construction includes the Health and Medical Sciences Building, supporting programs in nursing and athletic training. The campus is also home to the Gallaher Theatre and the Thorson Dance Studio.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Purple Raiders, compete in the Ohio Athletic Conference of NCAA Division III. The football program has achieved national prominence, winning the NCAA Division III Football Championship in 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2015 under coaches such as Larry Kehres and Vince Kehres. Other successful programs include men's and women's track and field, which have produced multiple national champions. Facilities include the Kehres Stadium and the Peterson Field House. The university also fields teams in sports like basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, and swimming, with many athletes earning All-American honors.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved distinction in diverse fields including politics, sports, business, and the arts. In government, notable figures include former United States Senator John Glenn and former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. The business world is represented by J.C. Penney executive B. Earl Puckett. In sports, alumni include National Football League players such as Cecil Shorts III, Pierre Garçon, and coach Vince Kehres. Entertainment and journalism are represented by actress Lara Jill Miller and CNN correspondent Martin Savidge. Other distinguished graduates include NASA engineer Donna L. Phelps and academic leader M. Lee Pelton, former president of Emerson College.

Category:Universities and colleges in Ohio Category:1846 establishments in Ohio