Wilberforce University's mission is to help our students identify and prepare for their respective purposes in life as global citizens by imparting knowledge, instilling discipline and inspiring lifelong learning through critical inquiry, personal and spiritual development and practicalapplication
Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University can trace its origin to a period of history before the Civil War, when the Ohio Underground Railroad was established as a means of escape for all those blacks who sought their freedom in the North from the yoke of slavery, one of the destination points of this railroad became Wilberforce University.
As the Underground Railroad provided a route from physical bondage, the University was formed to provide an intellectual Mecca and refuge from slaverys first rule: ignorance. Wilberforce University, the nations oldest private, historically black university, was named to honor the great 18th century abolitionist, William Wilberforce.
Today, Wilberforce University continues to build on its sacred tradition. It is a four-year, fully accredited liberal arts institution. The 1990s were good years for the University, ushering in a period of growth and financial accountability. Wilberforce University offers some 20 fully accredited liberal arts concentrations to students in business, communications, computing and engineering sciences, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. It offers dual degree programs in architecture, aerospace, and nuclear engineering in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati. Other dual degree programs are available in electrical and mechanical engineering in cooperation with the University of Dayton, and in law with St. Johns University School of Law. The Universitys Adult and Continuing Education Program, CLIMB (Credentials for Leadership in Management and Business), annually attracts some 200 nontraditional students interested in completing bachelor of science degrees in organizational management, health care administration and information technology.
During the last few years, six new facilities have been built and dedicated: the Wolfe Administration Building, which houses the administrative offices of the University; the Alumni Multiplex, which provides state-of-the-art academic, sports and recreational facilities for the campus and intercollegiate sports at the University; a Student Health Center, which provides medical services from on-site physicians and health care providers; a Communications Complex, which houses the Mass Media Communications Program, the campus television studio and campus newspaper production facilities; the new John L. Henderson Hall, capable of housing 110 students; and the new Louis Stokes Health and Wellness Center.
