Advancing the Kingdom

The mission of Oklahoma Wesleyan University is to develop and send servant leaders to advance the Kingdom of God. 

We model a biblically centered way of thought, life, and faith as a vital part of The Wesleyan Church. Through deliberate study, honest questions, and critical engagement, we foster a vibrant liberal arts community that upholds the Primacy of Jesus Christ, the Priority of Scripture, the Pursuit of Truth, and the Practice of Wisdom.

Our History

Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s history began in 1905 with Rocky Mountain Missionary & Evangelistic School. In 1910, its name was changed to Colorado Springs Bible College. In 1909, Miltonvale Wesleyan College began in Kansas and, in 1917, Pasadena Bible Training School opened in California.

1905

Colorado Springs Bible College was initiated by the Pilgrim Holiness Church to train students for full-time Christian service. It expanded to include students desiring to attend college in a Christ-centered environment and later relocated to Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

1909

Miltonvale Wesleyan College was part of the Wesleyan Methodist denomination. Its purpose for 63 years was to initiate students to a Christian experience, intellectual training, social culture and physical development. A “Holiness Unto the Lord” motto summarized its mission and hung as a banner on the administration building. That banner now hangs on the Bartlesville campus.

After financial challenges, schools merged with Western Pilgrim College. They joined Central Pilgrim College shortly after its move to Bartlesville.

When the Bartlesville property was purchased, the La Quinta Mansion was the focal point. Previous owners used the property for a college, making the location suitable for Central Pilgrim College. The mansion remains, as do the Carriage House and Susanna Wesley Hall (women’s dorm).

1968

In 1968, the Pilgrim Holiness Church and the Wesleyan Methodist Church merged to form The Wesleyan Church. The college became Bartlesville Wesleyan College. In 1972, Miltonvale Wesleyan College and Bartlesville Wesleyan College merged. Enrollment increased in the 1970s, and Bartlesville Wesleyan College experienced the largest increase of any four-year college in Oklahoma. With enrollment increasing at 97.4 percent, campus expansion became imperative. Four new buildings were built: Haltom Campus Center, Robert & Joyce Campbell Science building, Dorm ‘74 and Mueller Sports Center.

2001

In 2001, the college officially became Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Since then, Lyon Chapel & Fine Arts Center, Keating Center, Lisa & Mark Roberts Fitness Annex, Janice & Charles Drake Library, six dormitories and additional athletic fields have all been built. The University’s outreach now includes an extension in Tulsa and online classes.