Olivet Nazarene University

 

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Humble beginnings

Olivet Nazarene University's origins can be traced to the first decade of the 20th century and to the resolve of several families in east central Illinois who were committed to providing a Christian education for their children. In 1907, classes began in a Georgetown, Ill. home. A year later, the founders acquired several acres of land in a nearby village named Olivet. There, they constructed a modest building and added the secondary level of instruction. A liberal arts college followed in 1909, along with the first name for the fledgling, but ambitious, institution: “Illinois Holiness University.”

By 1912, the founders and trustees were aware of the school’s need for a wider constituency and offered to give their educational work to the Church of the Nazarene. The young denomination accepted the school with a pledge to support and promote its ministry of Christian higher education. That early commitment is still being perpetuated by the more than 800 Nazarene congregations throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Growing pains

The school grew slowly during the next decade. There were several acting and short-term presidents; the 19-acre campus contained only a few small buildings; the first yearbook, the Aurora, was published in 1914; and a new school name followed in 1915: "Olivet University." The name changed again in 1923 to "Olivet College."

As was the case with many small church colleges in the 1920s, Olivet’s financial base eroded significantly, forcing the trustees to declare bankruptcy in 1926. Then-college treasurer Dr. T. W. Willingham bought the school back at a public auction, outlined a new plan for solvency, and was elected president.

A devastating fire destroyed the main campus building in November 1939, prompting the newly elected president, A.L. Parrott, and the trustees to consider locating a new campus as an alternative to rebuilding at their rural site. They found and purchased the present campus in Bourbonnais in 1939 and moved the college in the summer of 1940. "Nazarene" was added to the college’s name that same year.

At the time of the college’s move to Bourbonnais, the campus consisted of 42 acres that had been the site of St. Viator’s College from 1868 until it closed in 1938. Four of the buildings purchased then are still in use today.

From college to university

A major milestone for Olivet followed in 1939, when the University of Illinois formally recognized the school. The college catalogs of the 1940s reflected a school of liberal arts, a school of music, a school of religion and a high school academy. In 1953, under the skillful leadership of Dr. Willis Snowbarger, the newly appointed dean, all areas of study were grouped into curricular divisions.

Dr. Harold W. Reed, president from 1949 to 1975, led Olivet through a period of remarkable growth, including the construction of 20 major buildings to keep pace with increasing student enrollments.

Dr. Leslie Parrott Sr. continued this focus on campus expansion, development and beautification during his 16-year tenure, as he led the campaign to elevate Olivet to university status. In 1986, the school’s name was changed to “Olivet Nazarene University” to reflect the diversity of academic programs and graduate studies.

Olivet today

Since assuming the presidency in 1991, Dr. John C. Bowling has continued to lead the University in its growth, effective ministry and pursuit of “Education With a Christian Purpose.”

Under his leadership, Olivet expanded and strengthened both its undergraduate and graduate programs. The University established a formal development program, and a full-time chaplaincy program was instituted to give direction to chapel, student spiritual life activities, small-group ministries, missions, and compassionate ministry experiences.

Campus improvements have continued including the construction of the campus entrance, Admissions Center and Weber Center, and the renovation of Larsen, Snowbarger Athletic Park, and Birchard Gymnasium. The School of Graduate and Continuing Studies established a Chicago Regional Center in Rolling Meadows, and in 2004, President Bowling announced the planned construction of Centennial Chapel, to seat approximately 3,000 for chapel and other events.

In 2005, North Central Association granted ONU continued accreditation for the maximum of ten years without conditions. The University’s more than 120 areas of study were reorganized into the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Professional Studies, School of Theology and Christian Ministry, and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies.

For the tenth consecutive year, Olivet announced a record breaking enrollment of students in 2006.

Pressing forward

As much as we treasure our rich heritage, we believe the greatest days for Olivet Nazarene University are yet to come.

In his 2005 annual Presidential address, Dr. Bowling told faculty and staff, “It is my desire to start again, to begin anew, and to look at Olivet with fresh eyes as best I can … If Olivet is to be all that it can and ought to be in the days to come, our dreams for the future have to outweigh our memories of the past.”

With an ever-increasing resolve to glorify God through this – His – University, we will continue to provide an “Education With a Christian Purpose” for the many years yet to come.