Academics
Southeast Ohio’s liberal arts Wilberforce University is the oldest private HBCU in the country. With a mission of preparing students for their chosen purpose and careers, the academic program at Wilberforce University strives to create wholly educated individuals. To that end, the university requires all students to participate in internships that provide practical work experience in addition to academic training. The school also aims to develop each student’s intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and civility, all while encouraging them to advocate for social justice and pride for Black history. WU is a four-year accredited institution offering Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees across 20 diverse undergraduate programs in areas such as Computer Science and Organizational Management and Marketing. (There’s also a Master of Science (MS) in rehabilitation counseling.) Additionally, Wilberforce offers dual degree programs in Architecture and Aerospace. Students in some of the Bachelor of Science degree programs can participate in a unique course called Credentials for Leadership in Management and Business (CLIMB), offered through the university’s Adult and Continuing Education Program. Students receive experiential credit through internships and physical opportunities to develop structured approaches and solutions to real-world problems.
Career
Wilberforce’s Division of Student Engagement and Success offers numerous opportunities to become involved in activities and experiences that help develop well-rounded students. Greek life is popular at Wilberforce and the school includes chapters of all nine National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations. Intramural sports feature a popular eSports League that competes virtually with HBCUs across the country. The school’s expansive athletics program includes men’s and women’s teams—all part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Teams primarily compete as an Independent of the Association of Independent Institutions. The heart of student social life is the student center of Allen Commons, a gathering place where students pick up mail, dine in the cafeteria, play games, and hold meetings for many campus clubs and organizations. In keeping with the school’s belief that students are best served when they learn and live together, all undergraduates are required to live on campus, with case-by-case exemptions. The suite-style residence halls feature all the conveniences needed in order to live and study in comfort.
Culture
WU’s mission is to ensure that each student receives career knowledge, career development, and positive self-esteem by promoting and providing experiential life and career learning opportunities. As such, all students must complete at least two extended co-op experiences prior to graduation. One such option is through the Co-Operative Emerging Leaders program, a partnership between the university and Fortune 1000 companies, dedicated to creating the next generation of Black corporate leaders and entrepreneurs. For assistance with career planning, students can take advantage of the Cooperative Education and Career Services Program. Here, students can find partnership opportunities and get help with applying for scholarships, writing essays, and developing on a personal level. WU has many notable Black alumni on its roster, including Hastings Kamuzu Banda, former President of Malawi; Hallie Quinn Brown, an American educator, writer, and activist; and saxophonist and composer Frank Benjamin Foster III, who frequently collaborated with Count Basie.
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