Liberty Tutors Come To You

Liberty, Missouri, is home to William Jewell College, a nationally ranked liberal arts college that was founded in 1849. The private, four-year college initially served only men; it began accepting females in 1920 after the Liberty Ladies College burned down.

The college was almost built in Boonville, Missouri. In fact, this was where co-founder Dr. William Jewell wanted it. But Colonel Alexander William Doniphan argued that the undeveloped land in Liberty would be more valuable than a site in Boonville.

The influential Doniphan prevailed. (Incidentally, Donophan’s skill in persuasion had already been demonstrated when he successfully argued to protect Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint Movement, from execution, and change the venue for Smith’s trial; Smith actually escaped en route to the alternate venue.) The college was founded by members of the Missouri Baptist Convention, including Minister Robert S. James, father of legendary outlaws Frank and Jesse James. Judge J.T.V. Thompson donated the land for the campus, and Jewell provided a $10,000 endowment.

The campus sits on a hill that, in one direction, gives views of the rolling hills and Midwestern plains, representative of the college’s historical and gritty past. During the Civil War, classes were suspended while the campus served as a hospital, lookout, and stables for the U.S. Army. Union troops were buried in the Mt. Memorial Cemetery on campus grounds. In the other direction, sixteen miles away, is the downtown skyline of Kansas City, teeming with technology, cultural opportunities, and progress. Similarly, the college has developed some unique opportunities that allow students to understand and appreciate the college’s past yet keep them looking forward toward their academic and personal growth.

Spiritual Heritage
The college was established in partnership with the Missouri Baptist Convention for nearly 150 years. That association dissolved in 2003, but the college continues to make the pursuit of spiritual and personal growth inspired by Christian ideals, service, and leadership part of its mission statement.

Pryor Learning Commons
The college opened Pryor Learning Commons in 2013. This is a 26,000-square-foot, three-story intellectual center used independently by students. Facilities include recording and editing studios, a 3D printer, white-board tables, live Twitter wall, 80-inch touchscreens, and innovation studios.

Oxbridge Honors Program
The Oxbridge program is a collaboration between Oxford University, Cambridge University, and William Jewell College. Students in this program experience rigorous British tutorial methods and a year of study in Oxford, England.

Journey Grants
This program entices juniors to undertake a life-enriching experience and gives them at least $2,000 to help fund it. The students design their own experience, which can incorporate research, service, internships, study abroad, or entrepreneurism.

In the 1840s, when leaders began discussing establishing a university in Liberty on the edge of the western frontier, they pushed forward despite obstacles and founded William Jewell College. Throughout the years, the school has encountered many challenges, but a rich history and strong leadership have given it—and its students—the force needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.