Wilberforce University students

Wilberforce University students

Wilberforce University

History

Wilberforce University is named after the 18th-century English statesman and abolitionist William Wilberforce. The University is religiously affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a participant in the United Negro College Fund.

Opened in 1856 during one of the most tumultuous times in American history, it is the oldest institution of higher education owned and operated by African Americans.

Note that Cheyney University (1837) and The Lincoln University (1854) operation predate Wilberforce University, but neither was owned by African-Americans at the time of the founding.

Many changes occurred over the years, including its designation as the first Black school named as a center for military training, and the dedication of the Carnegie Library — a gift from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

The sale of the old campus in 1982 has been designated by the Ohio General Assembly and the United States Congress as the location for the National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture Center.

Academic Merit

Wilberforce University offers and variety of B.A. and B.S. degrees. It is fully accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. It offers these undergraduate programs:

Accounting
Biology
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Criminal Justice Administration
Electrical Engineering
Health and Human Services
Health Services Administration
English
Management
Marketing
Mass Media Communications
Music
Organizational Management
Political Science
Psychology
Rehabilitation Services
Sociology
Social Work
Entrepreneurship

Campus Life

Wilberforce University campus is located approximately one mile from the site of its original campus and is situated on a gently rising slope in a beautiful setting with Old Towne Creek. The creek winds its way through the entire site and between the crest of two rolling hills.

Wilberforce is also one of two, four-year institutions in the country with a mandatory cooperative education program.

Today, there is a fountain project where participants may pay for the cost of brick in memory of a loved one, and help move the historic fountain from the old campus to the new campus. alumni and others are encouraged to participate.

ADDRESS: 1055 North Bickett Road, Wilberforce, OH MAP
PHONE: 937-376-2911
WEBSITE: https://www.wilberforce.edu

More BLACK COLLEGES