Wabash College

Not to be confused with Wabash Valley College.

Wabash College

Latin: Collegii Wabashensis
Former names	The Wabash Teachers Seminary and Manual Labor College (1832–1851)
Motto	Scientiae et Virtuti (Latin)
Motto in English	For Knowledge and Virtue
Type	Private liberal arts men's college
Established	November 21, 1832 (1832-11-21)
Academic affiliations	NAICU CIC Annapolis Group Oberlin Group CLAC GLCA
Endowment	$391.5 million (2024)
President	Scott E. Feller
Academic staff	96 full-time and 7 part-time
Undergraduates	835
Location	Crawfordsville, Indiana , U.S. 40°2′17″N 86°54′18″W
Campus	Suburban, 65 acres (26 ha)
Newspaper	The Bachelor
Colors	Wabash Scarlet
Nickname	Little Giants
Sporting affiliations	NCAA Division III – NCAC
Mascot	Wally Wabash
Website	wabash.edu

Wabash College is a private liberal arts men's college located in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Founded in 1832, by a group of Dartmouth College graduates and Midwestern leaders, the institution was originally named "The Wabash Teachers Seminary and Manual Labor College". It was later renamed Wabash College in 1851. The college was founded with the intention of providing classical and English education to young men in the region, aiming to develop future educators and clergy.

Caleb Mills, a Dartmouth alumnus and graduate of Andover Theological Seminary, was the first faculty member of Wabash College. He played a pivotal role in shaping the institution's academic character and later became instrumental in establishing Indiana's public education system. The college's mission is to educate men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely.

As of 2024, Wabash College enrolls approximately 835 undergraduate students. The academic program is structured into three divisions: natural sciences, humanities and arts, and social sciences. Students can choose from 36 majors and minors, with popular fields of study including rhetoric, economics, history, and biology. A distinctive feature of the Wabash curriculum is the comprehensive examination process for seniors, which includes both written and oral components to assess students' mastery in their major disciplines.

Wabash College is one of only three non-religious, all-male, four-year colleges remaining in the United States, alongside Hampden–Sydney College and Morehouse College. The college maintains a strong tradition of single-sex education, emphasizing close-knit community and leadership development.

History

Wabash College founders kneeling in the snow on November 22, 1832

Wabash College was founded on November 21, 1832, by a group of Presbyterian ministers and laymen in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Seeking to bring classical and moral education to the American frontier, the founders envisioned a “classical and English high school, rising into a college as soon as the wants of the country demand.” The next day, they dedicated the campus grounds in prayer while kneeling in the snow—a moment that became symbolic of Wabash’s spiritual and intellectual mission.

Caleb Mills, first faculty member at Wabash College

Classes began in 1833 on education, and Elihu W. Baldwin became the college’s first president in 1835. Early instruction emphasized Classical education, Theology, and a short-lived Manual labor school model. Despite early financial hardship and a devastating fire in 1838, Wabash quickly rebuilt. It developed a distinguished faculty, notably Caleb Mills, a founder of Indiana Department of Education, and Edmund Otis Hovey, who served as professor, trustee, treasurer, and fundraiser for over four decades.

By the mid-19th century, Wabash had become known for its rigorous liberal arts education, rooted in classical studies, rhetoric, and moral philosophy. Student life was centered around literary societies such as the Euphronean and Calliopean, which provided early platforms for oratory and debate. During the American Civil War, Wabash students and faculty supported the Union Army, with many joining the conflict.

Under President Joseph F. Tuttle (1862–1892), the college stabilized and grew in stature, supported by major gifts such as the Rose Polytechnic Institute bequest and contributions from benefactors like Edwin J. Peck. The campus added buildings such as Center Hall and Peck Hall, while Wabash increasingly emphasized scientific education alongside the classics.

SATC Recruits

In the 20th century, President George L. Mackintosh (1903–1926) instituted major reforms, including the development of the Wabash Plan, which emphasized faculty-student dialogue, senior comprehensive exams, and a distinctive curriculum rooted in interdisciplinary learning. During World War I, Wabash hosted a Student Army Training Corps unit, and during World War II, the college trained Navy officers through the V-12 Navy College Training Program.

The postwar period brought enrollment growth through the G.I. Bill and further academic reform. Despite broader national trends toward coeducation, Wabash remained a men's college, reaffirming that identity via a campus-wide referendum in 1992. In 1996, under the direction of James Fisher, Wabash became the first college in America to stage Tony Kushner's Angels in America.

In the 21st century, Wabash has prioritized global learning, undergraduate research, and leadership programs like WabashX. The college maintains vibrant traditions such as Chapel Sing, Ringing In and Out, and the annual Monon Bell Classic against DePauw University. With a strong alumni network, modern facilities, and enduring commitment to the liberal arts, Wabash continues its mission: “to educate men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely.”

Academics

Wabash College offers a liberal arts education leading exclusively to the Bachelor of Arts degree. All students follow a structured curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, ethical reasoning, and global citizenship.

Students complete general education requirements in three academic divisions: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. They must also demonstrate core competencies in writing, oral communication, quantitative reasoning, and diversity and inclusion. One of the college’s signature academic features is the comprehensive examination, a capstone assessment required of all seniors in their major field.

Majors and minors

Wabash offers more than 25 majors and minors across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Popular majors include Political Science, Economics, Psychology, Biology, and Rhetoric. Interdisciplinary and special programs include:

• Philosophy, Politics and Economics
• Global health
• Gender studies
• Multicultural American Studies

Students may also propose independent majors with faculty approval.

Pre-professional and dual-degree programs

Wabash provides advising for students pursuing careers in law, medicine, engineering, and business. The college maintains dual-degree (3-2 or 4-2) engineering agreements with:

• Columbia University
• Purdue University
• Washington University in St. Louis

Students enrolled in these programs can earn both a B.A. from Wabash and an engineering degree from a partner university.

Honors and fellowships

Academic honors include Dean’s List, Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude), and departmental distinction. The college also supports applications to national and international fellowships such as the Rhodes Scholarship, Marshall Scholarship, Watson Fellowship, and Fulbright Program.

Experiential and immersive learning

Wabash offers a variety of experiential learning programs:

• Immersion Learning consist of faculty-led travel courses with domestic or international field components.
• WabashX is a suite of co-curricular programs focused on Business Innovation, Democracy and Public Discourse, Global Health, and Digital Arts.
• Center for Innovation, Business & Entrepreneurship (CIBE) offers student consulting projects, internships, and leadership development.

Rankings

Wabash is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In its 2024 rankings, U.S. News & World Report placed Wabash:

• 54th in National Liberal Arts Colleges
• 5th in Best Undergraduate Teaching

The Princeton Review (2024 edition) recognized Wabash in several categories:

• 4th in Best Alumni Network
• 6th in Most Accessible Professors
• 9th in Best Classroom Experience

Wabash is also frequently ranked among the top U.S. colleges for alumni giving and faculty accessibility

Comprehensive examinations

All Wabash seniors are required to pass a comprehensive examination in their major field of study, a hallmark of the college's academic program. These exams assess students' mastery of core disciplinary concepts, their ability to synthesize information, and their written and oral communication skills.

The comprehensive examination typically includes:

• A multi-day written exam, composed and evaluated by the department
• An oral examination administered by a panel of faculty members from within and outside the student’s major

Students are evaluated not only on factual knowledge, but also on their capacity to think critically, articulate complex ideas, and defend their reasoning in discussion. Comprehensive exams are considered a capstone academic experience and contribute to the awarding of academic honors such as Distinction and High Distinction in the major.

Student life

As of 2024, Wabash College enrolled 822 undergraduate students. The college remains one of the few all-male liberal arts institutions in the United States.

Racial and ethnic breakdown

Race/Ethnicity	Percentage
White	70.2%
Hispanic or Latino	13.5%
Black or African American	4.4%
Asian	1.4%
Two or More Races	4.0%
International	6.0%
Unknown	1.2%

Source: Wabash College Diversity Disclosure Report, 2024

Socioeconomic Breakdown

Indicator	Percentage
Students receiving Pell Grants	24.8%
Students not receiving Pell Grants	75.2%
Students receiving any financial aid	~99%

Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2024

Wabash College student life is centered around traditions, self-governance, a vibrant fraternity system, and a strong commitment to personal responsibility. The college fosters a close-knit residential community where involvement in campus activities is highly encouraged.

Traditions

A Wabash College student earning their W during Chapel Sing.

One of Wabash's most symbolic ceremonies is Ringing In Saturday, which marks the beginning of each student’s college experience. Incoming freshmen are formally welcomed by the dean of students, the dean of admissions, the president of the alumni association, and the college president. Each student is ceremonially “rung in” by the president using the same bell that Caleb Mills, the college’s first teacher, used in the 1830s.

During Homecoming Week, Wabash hosts Chapel Sing, a spirited and widely recognized tradition where fraternity pledges (and independent students) attempt to sing the college fight song, Old Wabash, in unison before a panel of judges. Organized by the Student Senate and the Sphinx Club, Chapel Sing symbolizes school pride and serves as a rite of passage.

Other time-honored traditions include the Monon Bell Classic—a football rivalry against DePauw University dating back to 1890—and Ringing Out, a mirror ceremony to Ringing In, which celebrates graduating seniors using the same historic bell.

Student government

The Wabash College student government is formally known as the Student Body of Wabash College. It operates under a tripartite structure with executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

• The executive branch is led by the Student Body President, who is elected annually and appoints a cabinet including a Vice President and Treasurer.
• The legislative branch is composed of the Student Senate, which allocates funding to student organizations and represents various residence halls, fraternities, and class years.
• The judicial branch includes the Student Court, which interprets the constitution and adjudicates disputes involving student organizations or elections.

Student organizations

Wabash supports a diverse array of student-led clubs and organizations. Groups represent interests including academics, community service, performing arts, political advocacy, identity and culture, and recreation. All organizations are eligible to receive funding through the Student Senate, which manages the student activity fee assessed each semester.

The college newspaper, 'The Bachelor, has been continuously published since 1908 and covers news, sports, editorials, and student opinion. Another major organization is the Sphinx Club, a leadership and spirit organization that oversees college traditions and helps lead student cheering sections at athletic events.

Academic honor societies, multicultural organizations, and pre-professional groups are also active on campus, promoting involvement and leadership across a wide range of interests.

Fraternities

Approximately 50–60% of Wabash students join one of the college’s ten national fraternities, which play a significant role in social, residential, and extracurricular life. The first chapter, Beta Theta Pi, was founded at Wabash in 1846 and has remained active since.

The college's fraternity chapters include the following:

• Beta Theta Pi
• Phi Delta Theta
• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)
• Delta Tau Delta
• Kappa Sigma
• Sigma Chi
• Tau Kappa Epsilon
• Lambda Chi Alpha
• Phi Kappa Psi
• Theta Delta Chi

Fraternities are governed by both national organizations and Wabash’s Interfraternity Council. They coordinate community service projects, social events, and uphold many of the school’s historic traditions, such as Chapel Sing.

The Gentleman's Rule

Wabash College does not employ a traditional student code of conduct. Instead, the institution relies on a single guiding principle known as the Gentleman’s Rule:

The student is expected to conduct himself at all times, both on and off campus, as a gentleman and a responsible citizen.

This rule entrusts students with personal responsibility for their actions and is considered the college’s oldest and most defining tradition. It is enforced through community standards, administrative discretion, and peer accountability rather than a formal disciplinary code.

Endowment

As of June 30, 2023, Wabash College's endowment was valued at approximately $391 million, equating to about $462,700 per student. This positions Wabash among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States in terms of endowment per student.

Giant Steps campaign

From July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2023, Wabash College conducted the "Giant Steps" campaign, the largest fundraising effort in its history. The campaign raised over $250 million from 12,029 donors who made 82,272 gifts, surpassing the original goal of $225 million.

Key achievements of the Giant Steps campaign include the following:

• Establishment of 81 new named scholarships.
• Creation of six new endowed professorships and faculty chairs.
• Funding for new academic majors, including Computer Science and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE).
• Support for immersive learning programs such as the Wabash Liberal Arts Immersion Program and the Global Health Initiative.
• Financing of capital projects like the Ott Residential Life District, Little Giant Stadium, and the Shelbourne Wrestling Center.

A notable contribution to the campaign was a $40 million gift from alumni Paul Woolls ’75 and his wife, Betty O’Shaughnessy Woolls, marking the largest single donation in the college's history.

Notable donors

The growth of Wabash College's endowment has been significantly influenced by contributions from notable donors:

• Lilly Endowment Inc.: Founded by pharmaceutical industrialist Eli Lilly and his family, the Lilly Endowment has been a major benefactor of Wabash College. Their support has funded scholarships, faculty positions, and infrastructure projects. The college's library bears Eli Lilly's name, and the prestigious Lilly Award scholarship was established in 1974 to honor young men of exceptional character, creativity, and academic achievement.

• Paul and Betty O'Shaughnessy Woolls: In addition to their historic $40 million gift during the Giant Steps campaign, the Woolls have been long-standing supporters of the college, contributing to various initiatives and serving in leadership roles during fundraising efforts.

• John ('69) and Diane Schroeder: Their contributions during the Giant Steps campaign have ensured that every Wabash student has the opportunity for a fully funded immersive learning experience.

These donors, among others, have played a crucial role in enhancing the college's financial stability and its commitment to providing quality education.

Endowment management

In 2015, Wabash College partnered with Strategic Investment Group to serve as its outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO). This collaboration has yielded significant returns; over a seven-year period, endowment returns exceeded benchmarks by $14.1 million.

The college employs a 12-quarter rolling average to determine its annual endowment draw, which was set at 5.5% for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. This approach aims to provide a predictable stream of funding while preserving the endowment's long-term purchasing power.

Financial aid and scholarships

Approximately 99% of Wabash students receive some form of financial aid, supported in part by the endowment. The college's commitment to affordability is reflected in its extensive scholarship offerings, many of which were expanded through the Giant Steps campaign.

Athletics

Main article: Wabash Little Giants

Wabash College competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). The college fields 13 intercollegiate varsity sports, all for men, consistent with its status as one of the nation’s last remaining all-male colleges. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Little Giants.

Since 2021, Wabash has fielded a varsity men's volleyball team, competing in the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League, as the NCAC sponsors volleyball only for women. Wabash's athletic cheer is "Wabash Always Fights", and the college maintains a strong tradition of athletic excellence, student involvement, and alumni support.

The school's varsity sports include: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.

National championships

Wabash has won several NCAA Division III national team and individual championships. Notable achievements include:

• Wrestling – NCAA Division III national team champions in 1981 and individual national champions in multiple years.
• Track and Field – numerous individual national titles in indoor and outdoor events.
• Swimming and Diving – national recognition and multiple individual NCAA All-Americans.

Wabash is also consistently ranked among the top Division III programs in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings, which measure athletic success across all sports.

Rivalries

Wabash College maintains one of the oldest and most storied football rivalries in the United States with DePauw University through the annual Monon Bell Classic. First played in 1890, the game has been held annually since 1911 (with exceptions during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic) and features the two Indiana schools vying for the 300-pound locomotive bell known as the Monon Bell.

The rivalry is considered one of the most intense in NCAA Division III football, often drawing national attention. The game is traditionally broadcast live and is a centerpiece of the college's athletic and alumni calendar.

Historical highlights

Inter-collegiate football at Wabash dates back to 1884, when student-coach Edwin R. Taber assembled a team and defeated Butler University by a score of 4–0 in the first intercollegiate football game in the history of the state of Indiana.

Wabash’s athletic history also includes early success in basketball, where the Little Giants reached the Final Four of the 1982 NCAA Division III Tournament, and in wrestling, where the program has produced multiple individual NCAA champions and team podium finishes in recent years.

Notable people

Main article: List of Wabash College people

See also: Category:Wabash College alumni

See also

• Modular Neutron Array
• 1922 National Intercollegiate Basketball Tournament

Further reading

• Aaron, Robert W. "Wabash College: Her Square Dances with Coeducation." Journal of the Student Personnel Association at Indiana University (2006): 25-38. online
• Boyd, Ernest L. "Ezra Pound at Wabash College." Journal of Modern Literature 4.1 (1974): 43-54. The poet was fired as an instructor in 1908. online
• Burns, David G. "William Norwood Brigance and Wabash College." Communication Quarterly 34.4 (1986): 349-356. An eminent speech scholar. online
• Fraker, Anne T., and Ann T. Fraker. "Caleb Mills: Schools, Christianity, and Civilization in the West." American Presbyterians 70.3 (1992): 151-162.
• Gronert, Theodore G. (1958). Sugar Creek Saga: A History and Development of Montgomery County. Wabash College.
• Harvey, Robert S., ed. (1982). These Fleeting Years: Wabash College 1832–1982. Crawfordsville: R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.
• Lind, L. R. "Early Literary Societies at Wabash College." Indiana Magazine of History (1946): 173-176. online
• Osborne, James Insley, and Theodore Gregory Gronert. Wabash College: The First Hundred Years, 1832-1932 (1932).

Primary sources

• Mills, Frank Moody. Early Days in a College Town: And Wabash College in Early Days and Now, with Autobiographical Reminiscences (1924). online
• Trippet, Byron K. "The role of a faculty in college administration." AAUP Bulletin 43.3 (1957): 484-491; by the Dean. online
• Wabash College. Catalogue of Wabash College 1893-94 (1894). online
• Wabash College: The Annual Catalogue 1916 (1916). online

External links

• Official website
• Athletics website