Since its founding in 1887, Nebraska Wesleyan University has changed significantly in size and appearance but has remained steadfast to the principles of a liberal arts education in a Christian environment.

Chartered by Nebraska Methodists on January 20, 1887, Nebraska Wesleyan University has grown from an initial enrollment of 96 (including an academy) to 1,500 full-time undergraduates and nearly 300 graduate and non-traditional students. The initial teaching and administrative staff totaled eight, including the chancellor. Today, Nebraska Wesleyan employees over 300 faculty, staff and administrators.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for Old Main, still considered the defining building of the campus, were held in April 1887, with the laying of the cornerstone that September. Classes began in September 1888 despite the absence of stairways, glass in most windows, or flooring. Four women were the first to graduate in 1890; four men followed in 1891. The small town of University Place, located several miles northeast of Lincoln grew alongside the University. Later, the town would become a part of Lincoln; today it is a historic residential area with quaint shops and cozy neighborhoods.

In its early years, Nebraska Wesleyan had a college of liberal arts; a music conservatory; schools of art, business and education; and an academy, elementary school and kindergarten. The high school continued to 1931; the eight grades until 1941; and the kindergarten until 1942. Nebraska Wesleyan offered a Master of Arts degree until 1937. The University reinstated its graduate programs with the addition of the Master of Science in Nursing degree in 2000 and the Master of Forensic Science degree in 2001.

Since its founding, Nebraska Wesleyan University has been considered one of the strongest institutions of its kind in the central west and has built a reputation as a premier liberal arts college. The University first received accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1914 and has been an accredited institution ever since.

Four emblems have been associated with Nebraska Wesleyan University: the Sunflower (1894-1907), the Coyote (1907-1933), the Plainsman (1933-2000) and the Prairie Wolf (since 2000). The University's colors of brown and gold reflect the original University emblem.

Nebraska Wesleyan has hosted an array of well-known speakers and visitors on its campus, including:

More information on the history of Nebraska Wesleyan University can be found in Of Sunflowers, Coyotes and Plainsmen: A History of Nebraska Wesleyan University, volumes I, II and III, by Dr. David Mickey ('39), Professor Emeritus of History at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Copies are available for purchase in the Prairie Wolves Bookstore www.prairiewolves.com or by contacting the Alumni Office at 402.465.2316.