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{{Short description|Private university in Fayetteville, North Carolina, US}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = Methodist University
 | motto                  = Engage, Enrich, Empower
 | image                  = Methodist univ seal.png
| image_size             = 150
 | established            = {{start date and age|1956|}}
 | type                   = [[Private university]]
 | religious_affiliation  = [[United Methodist Church]]
 | academic_affiliations  = [[Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration|CONAHEC]]
 | endowment              = $19.483 million<ref>As of June 30, 2012. {{Cite web| title = U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2012 Endowment Market Value and Percentage Change in Endowment Market Value from FY 2011 to FY 2012| work = 2012 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments| publisher = National Association of College and University Business Officers| url = http://www.nacubo.org/Documents/research/2012NCSEPublicTablesEndowmentMarketValuesRevisedFebruary42013.pdf| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130512184138/http://www.nacubo.org/Documents/research/2012NCSEPublicTablesEndowmentMarketValuesRevisedFebruary42013.pdf| url-status = dead| archive-date = May 12, 2013| access-date = September 22, 2014}}</ref>
 | president              = Stanley T. Wearden<ref>[http://www.methodist.edu/about-methodist-univ Methodist University: About]</ref>
 | city                   = [[Fayetteville, North Carolina]]
 | country                = U.S.|
 | students               = 1,916<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Methodist+University&s=all&id=198969 | title=College Navigator – Methodist University }}</ref>
 | undergrad              = 1,520 <ref>{{cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Methodist+University&s=all&id=198969 | title=College Navigator – Methodist University }}</ref>
 | postgrad               = 396<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Methodist+University&s=all&id=198969 | title=College Navigator – Methodist University }}</ref>
 | campus                 = Urban
 | coor                   = {{coord | 35.1339 | -78.8743 | display=inline,title }}
 | former_names           = Methodist College (1956–2006)
 | sports_nickname        = Monarchs
 | mascot                 = Lion
 | athletics_affiliations = [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division III (NCAA)|Division III]]—[[USA South Athletic Conference|USASAC]]
 | colors                 = {{color box|#00573C}} Methodist Green<br>{{color box|#CBB676}} Methodist Gold
 | website                = {{URL|https://www.methodist.edu/| methodist.edu}}
| logo = Methodist University png logo.png
| logo_size = 150
}}

'''Methodist University''' is a [[private university]] that is affiliated with the [[North Carolina Annual Conference]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nccumc.org/|title=NC Conference – Healthy Congregations and Effective Leaders in Every Place Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World|website=NC Conference|access-date=Aug 8, 2020}}</ref> of the [[United Methodist Church]] and located in [[Fayetteville, North Carolina]]. It is accredited by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges]].<ref>[http://www.sacscoc.org/membershipInfo.asp SACSCOC Membership Directory]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918080418/http://www.sacscoc.org/membershipInfo.asp |date=2009-09-18 }}.</ref>

The university offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Programs Archive |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/programs/ |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref> including doctoral-level options, on campus and online. It offers 22 fully online degrees and certificate programs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Programs Archive |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/programs/ |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref> Methodist University also features more than 80 student clubs and organizations, along with 20 NCAA intercollegiate sports.<ref>{{Cite web |title=By the Numbers {{!}} Explore MU |url=https://www.methodist.edu/explore-mu/numbers/ |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref> It has graduated more than 12,000 students since its first graduating class in 1964.<ref>[http://www.methodist.edu/pub_media/profile.shtml Methodist University profile]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406072607/http://methodist.edu/pub_media/profile.shtml|date=2015-04-06}}.</ref>

== History ==
Originally known as Methodist College, the state of North Carolina chartered the school on November 1, 1956. On its 50th anniversary, the board of trustees voted unanimously to change the name from Methodist College to Methodist University. The university has had five presidents in its history:

* L. Stacy Weaver (1957–1973)
* Richard Pearce (1973–1983)
* M. Elton Hendricks (1983–2010)
* Ben E. Hancock, Jr. (2011–2018)
* Stanley T. Wearden (2019–Current)<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Brief History of Methodist University {{!}} About Methodist University |url=https://www.methodist.edu/about-mu/history/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

== Relationship to the United Methodist Church ==
Current president Stanley T. Wearden says, “While Methodist University values its affiliation with The United Methodist Church, the Church does not set the policies of the University.” The university also states it provides access and inclusion to all students regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, origin, ethnicity, or creed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Our Relationship to the United Methodist Church {{!}} About Methodist University |url=https://www.methodist.edu/about-mu/umc/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

== Academics ==

{{Infobox US university ranking
| Wamo_NU       = 592 of 602
| USNWR_REG     = 91 (tie) of 123
}}

Methodist University’s more than 80 academic programs live under three different colleges: College of Arts, Humanities & Sciences, College of Business, Technology & Professional Studies, and College of Health Sciences & Human Services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Academics |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

=== College of Arts, Humanities & Sciences ===
The College of Arts, Humanities & Sciences carries six different divisions, each hosting a variety of majors, minors, and certificates:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arts, Humanities & Sciences {{!}} Academics |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/ahs/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

* ''Communication, Composition & Rhetoric Division:'' Communication & Media and Writing<ref>{{Cite web |title=Communication, Composition & Rhetoric {{!}} Arts, Humanities & Sciences |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/ahs/ccr/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Fine & Performing Arts Division:'' Art, Art Education, Graphic Design, Music, Music Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, and Theatre<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fine & Performing Arts {{!}} Arts, Humanities & Sciences |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/ahs/fine-performing-arts/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Humanities Division:'' English, Global Studies, History, History with Social Studies Licensure, Spanish, Professional Leadership & Ethics, Religion, Ethics, Global History, Philosophy, Women’s Studies, American Studies, European Studies, and Teaching English as a Second Language<ref>{{Cite web |title=Humanities {{!}} Arts, Humanities & Sciences |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/ahs/humanities/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Justice & Military Science Division:'' Clandestine Labs, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science (CSI), Digital Forensics, Legal Studies, Military Science, Air Force ROTC, and Army ROTC <ref>{{Cite web |title=Justice & Military Science {{!}} Arts, Humanities & Sciences |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/ahs/justice-military-science/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Natural Sciences Division:'' Biology, Chemistry, General Science Education (9-12), and Science<ref>{{Cite web |title=Natural Sciences {{!}} Arts, Humanities & Sciences |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/ahs/natural-sciences/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Social Sciences Division:'' Leadership & Management, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology, Church Leadership, Cognitive Behavioral Neuropsychology, Leadership Studies, and Public Health<ref>{{Cite web |title=Social Sciences {{!}} Arts, Humanities & Sciences |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/ahs/social-sciences/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

=== College of Business, Technology & Professional Studies ===
The College of Business, Technology & Professional Studies offers five separate divisions that offer a variety of majors, minors, and certificates:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Business, Technology & Professional Studies {{!}} Academics |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/business-technology-professional-studies/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

* ''Reeves School of Business:'' Accounting, Business Administration, Business Analytics, Financial Economics, Management, Marketing, Sport Management, Health Care Administration, PGA Golf Management, Professional Tennis Management, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Entrepreneurship and Master of Business Administration (MBA)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reeves School of Business {{!}} Business, Technology & Professional Studies |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/business-technology-professional-studies/reeves-school-of-business/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Computer Science & Computer Information Technology:'' Computer Information Technology and Computer Science<ref>{{Cite web |title=Computer Science & CIT {{!}} Business, Technology & Professional Studies |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/business-technology-professional-studies/computer-science-cit/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Engineering & Environmental Studies Division:'' Engineering, Environmental & Occupational Management, and Environmental Sustainability<ref>{{Cite web |title=Engineering & Environmental Studies {{!}} Business, Technology & Professional Studies |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/business-technology-professional-studies/engineering-environmental-studies/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Teacher Education Program:'' Art Education (K-12), Elementary Education (K-6), English Education (9-12), General Science Education (9-12), History with Social Studies Licensure (9-12), Middle Grades Education (6-9), Music Education (K-12), Physical Education & Health Education (K-12), School Social Work, Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12), Academically & Intellectually Gifted (K-12), Teaching English as a Second Language (K-12), Educational Studies, and Education<ref>{{Cite web |title=Teacher Education {{!}} Business, Technology & Professional Studies |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/business-technology-professional-studies/teacher-education/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Mathematics & Data Science'' <ref>{{Cite web |title=Mathematics {{!}} Programs |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/program/mathematics/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

=== College of Health Sciences & Human Services ===
Set up a differently than the other two colleges, seven departments (Health Care Administration, Kinesiology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Social Work) live within the College of Health Sciences & Human Services:

* ''Undergraduate majors:'' Advanced Paramedicine, Exercise & Sport Science, Fitness, Wellness & Coaching, Health Care Administration, Kinesiology, Nursing, RN-to-BSN, Occupational Therapy, Physical Education & Health Education, Social Work, Social Work with licensure in School Work
* ''Undergraduate minors:'' Community Health Education, Exercise & Sport Science, Gerontology, Health Care Administration, Health Care Information Management, Psychosocial Aspects of Sport & Coaching, and Social Work
* ''Undergraduate Certificate Programs:'' Community Health Education, Health Care Administration, and Psychosocial Aspects of Sport & Coaching
* ''Graduate degree programs:'' Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Health Administration, Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, and Master of Nursing
* ''Graduate Certificate Programs:'' Health Care Administration and Nursing Education<ref>{{Cite web |title=Health Sciences & Human Services {{!}} Academics |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/health-sciences-human-services/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

=== Online programs ===
Methodist University began offering online programs in the 2020-21 school year. Primarily designed to help adult learners, active-duty soldiers and their family members, veterans, and untraditional students, MU offers 24 different programs and certificates:<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us {{!}} Methodist University Online |url=https://online.methodist.edu/about/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en-US}}</ref>

* ''Associate degree:'' General Studies<ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Degree Programs {{!}} Methodist University Online |url=https://online.methodist.edu/programs/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''Bachelor’s degree:'' Exercise & Sport Science, Professional Leadership and Ethics, Accounting, Health Care Administration (Accounting), Business Administration, Health Care Administration (Business Administration), Advanced Paramedicine, Computer Information Technology, Business Information Systems, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Criminal Justice, Health Care Administration, Marketing, Health Care Administration (Marketing), Psychology, Counseling/Clinical Psychology, Human Performance Psychology, Social Work, and RN-to-BSN<ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Degree Programs {{!}} Methodist University Online |url=https://online.methodist.edu/programs/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''Certificate:'' Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, Health Care Administration Certificate, and Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Residency Licensure Certificate<ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Degree Programs {{!}} Methodist University Online |url=https://online.methodist.edu/programs/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''Doctorate'': Doctor of Nursing Practice<ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Degree Programs {{!}} Methodist University Online |url=https://online.methodist.edu/programs/ |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=Methodist University |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''Master’s degree:'' Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, MEd in Educational Leadership: Instructional Technology, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Health Administration (MHA), and Master of Science in Nursing: Administrative Leadership<ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Degree Programs {{!}} Methodist University Online |url=https://online.methodist.edu/programs/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''Minors:'' Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Health Care Administration, Marketing, Psychology, and Social Work<ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Degree Programs {{!}} Methodist University Online |url=https://online.methodist.edu/programs/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Methodist University |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== College of Medicine ===
The Methodist University College of Medicine is home to the Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, which is currently an applicant school with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Applicant & Candidate Programs |url=https://lcme.org/directory/candidate-applicant-programs/ |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=LCME |language=en-US}}</ref>

Conversations between Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health System began in the fall of 2022. Both institutions recognized the need for expanded physician services in the Sandhills Region of North Carolina and understood the potential impact of a medical school to have a positive effect on health outcomes in the region.

On February 27, 2023, a formal announcement was made by Methodist University President Stanley T. Wearden and Cape Fear Valley Health CEO Michael Nagowski of a partnership designed to create the medical school.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MU & Cape Fear Valley Announce Partnership to Create Medical School |url=https://www.methodist.edu/news/methodist-university-cape-fear-valley-announce-partnership-to-create-medical-school/ |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

On May 28, 2023, Hershey S. Bell, MD, MSMedEd, FAAFP was introduced as the Founding Dean of both Methodist University College of Medicine and the Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Hershey Bell Named Founding Dean of MU College of Medicine |url=https://www.methodist.edu/news/dr-hershey-bell-named-founding-dean-of-mu-college-of-medicine/ |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

The curriculum, currently under development, will emphasize [[health systems science]] and social determinants of health. It will be based on the principles of social accountability, community engagement, and patient-centeredness.

Pending receipt of preliminary accreditation by the LCME and approval for substantive changes by SACSCOC, the school (to be physically positioned on the campus of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, N.C.) plans to begin recruitment of an inaugural class of 80 students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Medicine {{!}} Academics |url=https://www.methodist.edu/academics/medicine/ |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=Methodist University |language=en}}</ref>

==Athletics==
{{main|Methodist Monarchs}}
[[file:Methodist univ monarchs wmark.png|thumb|Methodist athletics wordmark]]
Methodist University teams participate as a member of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[Division III (NCAA)|Division III]]. The Monarchs are a member of the [[USA South Athletic Conference]] (USA South). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, and indoor/outdoor track and field. Women's sports include basketball, cheer, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor/outdoor track and field, and volleyball. 

Methodist University's teams have won 83 team and individual national championships along with 183 conference championships. To date, Methodist University has also produced 375 NCAA Division III All-Americans and 65 Academic All-Americans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MU Quick Facts |url=https://mumonarchs.com/sports/2014/10/8/Quick%20Facts.aspx?path=general |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=Methodist University Athletics |language=en}}</ref>

==Notable alumni==
* [[Becky Burleigh]], University of Florida women's soccer coach
* [[Chad Collins]], professional golfer 	
* [[Christopher Daniels]], professional wrestler
* [[Ruth Carter Stapleton]], evangelist, Christian psychologist
* [[Chip Dicks]], lawyer and former Virginia delegate
* General [[John W. Handy]], USAF (retired)
* [[William C. Harrison]], superintendent
* [[TJR (musician)|TJR]], American DJ and music producer
* [[Wyatt Worthington II]], professional golfer

==References==

{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{ccat}}
* {{oweb}}
* [https://mumonarchs.com/ Athletics website]

{{MethodistColleges}}
{{Private colleges and universities in North Carolina}}
{{USA South Athletic Conference navbox}}
{{College sports in North Carolina}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Methodist University| ]]
[[Category:Private universities and colleges in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Education in Fayetteville, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1956]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Cumberland County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Fayetteville, North Carolina]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in North Carolina]]