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William Jewell College is a private, independent, liberal arts institution located in Liberty, Missouri. The College was established in 1849 by members of the General Association (forerunner of the Missouri Baptist Convention) which included the College’s namesake, Dr. William Jewell, as well as Rev. Robert James, father of the infamous Frank and Jesse James. One of the earliest private, four-year men’s colleges located west of the Mississippi, William Jewell College was forced to suspend classes during the Civil War when Federal troops occupied the campus, using Jewell Hall as a lookout point, an infirmary and a stable. After reopening, the College’s enrollment began to climb steadily and in 1920 the first female students were admitted after several nearby women’s colleges burned down. Today, William Jewell College is well known and has received numerous recognitions from names such as U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, The Princeton Review, and many more.
Academic Programs
William Jewell College’s vision is to be a “nationally recognized liberal arts college that encourages intellectual and spiritual growth, leadership and service. “ The College’s mission is to be “an outstanding liberal arts education that cultivates leadership, service, and spiritual growth within a community inspired by Christian ideals and committed to open, rigorous intellectual pursuits.” William Jewell College has been named an Apple Distinguished School for its “access to integrated technology and engaged learning” and its “technologically sophisticated environment”. The College provides free iPads to students and faculty alike in order to “encourage creativity and collaboration on a common platform.”William Jewell College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1915. More than 40 major areas of study are offered in addition to a Master of Science in Education in Differential Education, several pre-professional programs and a number of dual-degree programs. Opportunities for study abroad and service learning also abound.
Student Life
William Jewell College has a total enrollment figure of more than 1,000, the vast majority of whom are undergraduate students. Situated on a beautiful 200 acre campus just fifteen miles outside of downtown Kansas City, William Jewell College’s location offers students a variety of cultural opportunities as well as opportunities through its many partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and successful alumni. The College’s campus is located at the edge of both urban and rural landscapes – a spectacular view of rolling hills and the Midwestern countryside is visible from one direction of the campus while the Kansas City skyline can be seen from another.William Jewell College recognizes approximately 70 student-led groups and organizations including academic honorary, discipline-specific groups, Greek life, multicultural organizations, political, special interest, and spiritual groups. As an NCAA Division II school, William Jewell College’s 20 varsity athletic teams – nicknamed the Cardinals – compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.