Methodist University

Methodist University will engage in a culture of excellence to provide transformative educational experiences by integrating our liberal arts foundation and spiritual and moral heritage with innovative student-centered programs to produce successful graduates who are dedicated to achievement and committed to making positive contributions to a global society.

Methodist University, historically supported by the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, owes its origin and values to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The University is committed to an ecumenical spirit, respects diversity, and recognizes the dignity and worth of all human beings. The University’s programs are based on the conviction that a liberally-educated person is sensitive to the needs and rights of others. Methodist University affirms the importance of intellectual values and ethical principles such as truth, virtue, justice, and love. The University community seeks to develop whole persons who will contribute substantially and creatively to the professions and to civic life. Therefore, Methodist University provides opportunities for spiritual, academic, and social growth, to the end that students may acquire enlightened minds and responsible spirits, as well as a continuing thirst for knowledge.

The purpose of Methodist University is to provide an undergraduate and graduate education firmly grounded in the liberal arts tradition that nurtures moral values and ethical decision making; to provide distinctive professional and graduate programs that complement the undergraduate programs; to provide educational and cultural services and resources to the community; and to prepare students for a variety of careers and educational pursuits.

The city of Fayetteville is North Carolina's fourth largest metropolitan area and is home to over 250,000 people, arena league football, minor league hockey and baseball teams, and numerous cultural and entertainment facilities.

The University today serves approximately 2,300 students—1,700 in the day program, 300 in Methodist University at Night, and 300 in graduate programs. The student/faculty ratio is 12:1. Average class size is around 15 students. The student body includes persons of diverse ages and nationalities, representing 40 states, the District of Columbia, and 77 foreign countries. Approximately 40% of our students come from out of state. Almost $24 million of institutional scholarships and grants were awarded to our students last year.

Since 1964, the University has graduated more than 12,000 students. Alumni have excelled in many ways; they have earned graduate degrees, advanced professionally, started their own businesses, and become leaders in their chosen fields and communities.

The Methodist University General Education Program provides a foundation for personal, professional, and civic success. The program is designed to develop competencies in the skills crucial to success while engaging students in the study of topics important to 21st century life.

Exchange programs allow MU students to travel to our exchange partner universities for a semester while still paying MU tuition and retaining the majority of their financial aid/scholarships. Other programs are available through third-party providers.

Methodist University is committed to giving students with disabilities equal access to an education firmly grounded in the liberal arts tradition; to nurture moral values and ethical decision making; to prepare students for a variety of careers; and to provide educational and cultural services and resources to the community.

Our staff works closely with the admissions office and we would be happy to schedule a pre-admission conference to introduce both parents and students to our services. We encourage all students who may be using our services to register with the Accessibility Resources/Disability Services Office before the beginning of their first academic year. However, students are welcome to discuss services at any time during their college career.

Career Services supports the mission of the Office of Student Affairs and provides career services and resources to all students and alumni from the first year of college to graduation and beyond. The Career Services staff guides and instructs students and alumni in the development of the skills necessary to obtain employment and work satisfaction, to succeed in a diverse and rapidly changing workforce, and to manage their life-long career strategies.

The long-anticipated history of Methodist University's first 50 years is available now! With 250 photos, 638 pages of annotated history, 92 appendices, and an every-name index, Methodist alumni are sure to find themselves reliving their glory days at college through this book. Authored by University Historian William H. "Bill" Billings '68, this project has been in the making since 2002.

In 1955, a citizens' group in Fayetteville, North Carolina, began discussing the possibility of bringing a private college to the city. The Presbyterian Synod of North Carolina had just announced plans to build a four-year college somewhere in eastern North Carolina, and many local leaders were hopeful that Fayetteville could attract that institution. After the Presbyterians selected Laurinburg as the site for their new college, the mayor of Fayetteville appointed the "Fayetteville College Steering Committee" to formulate a proposal for bringing a Methodist college to town.

Methodist observed the 50th anniversary of receiving its charter November 1, 2006, with a special convocation and announcement. President M. Elton Hendricks announced that the Board of Trustees had voted unanimously to change the name of Methodist College to Methodist University.