McKendree University

What is the history of McKendree University?

McKendree University is a private university in Lebanon, Illinois, with roots dating to 1828. It began as Lebanon Seminary, an early institution of higher education in Illinois, and later took the name McKendree College in honor of Methodist bishop William McKendree.

The institution became McKendree University in 2007, reflecting the range of undergraduate and graduate programs it had developed. Its Methodist origins remain part of its identity, although students can choose from programs across the arts and sciences, business, education, and health professions. For applicants, the name change matters mainly when reviewing older records or references to McKendree College: they refer to the same institution.

What are the faculties and departments at McKendree University?

McKendree organizes its academic offerings through a College of Arts and Sciences and professional schools focused on business, education, and nursing and health professions. It offers undergraduate and graduate study, with program availability and delivery format varying by degree.

Undergraduate choices span fields such as biology, psychology, communication, computer science, criminal justice, music, and business. Professional and graduate pathways include education, business, and nursing-related study. Students comparing programs should look beyond the major name: teacher preparation and nursing, for example, can have admission, clinical, or licensure requirements beyond the university's general requirements.

McKendree reported a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. That institution-wide measure describes enrollment relative to faculty; it does not mean every class has 16 students or that every course is taught by a full-time professor.

What is the location of McKendree University?

McKendree's main campus is in Lebanon, Illinois, a small community in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The setting offers a residential college environment while placing regional employers, cultural institutions, and additional transportation options within reach of students who can travel beyond Lebanon.

Students should plan for the practicalities of a smaller community. A car may be useful for some off-campus jobs or placements, although first-year students are permitted to register or park one on campus. St. Louis Lambert International Airport and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport serve the region; routes and ground transportation needs differ substantially between them. Applicants interested in an online or off-campus program should confirm where its classes and required activities actually take place rather than assuming they are held in Lebanon.

What is the mission and vision of McKendree University?

McKendree describes its educational mission in terms of academic learning, personal development, and preparation for responsible participation in society. Its identity is shaped by a historical relationship with the United Methodist tradition.

That affiliation is useful context for students considering campus life, but it should not be mistaken for a requirement that applicants hold particular religious beliefs. Prospective students who want to understand how the university's stated values appear in practice can examine its general-education requirements, service opportunities, campus ministries, and policies on religious participation. A mission statement expresses institutional aims; it is not, by itself, evidence of individual student outcomes.