Wiley College began celebrating the institution’s 150-year anniversary in July 21 this year.
Wiley College is the nation’s first HBCU west of the Mississippi and was founded by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Named after Bishop Isaac William Wiley, the College began as a place for the education of enslaved and free Blacks.
Wiley College is one of the black colleges supported by the Black College Fund which provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities.
The College will celebrate its proud history of advocacy, activism, scholarship, and excellence all academic year, with a culminating experience at the Founders’ Day Convocation, on March 17, 2023.
Wiley College in anticipation of the year’s celebration has already launched the Wiley 1873 Campaign, with the goal of providing 1873 scholarships to new incoming students, in commemoration of its Sesquicentennial.
As part of the year’s activities, Wiley College Board of Trustee Vice-Chairman Mr. Jerry Cargill, and Trustee Emeritus Warren Scott will lead the Increasing the Legacy: Wiley College Sesquicentennial Campaign with a goal of $3.4 million to strengthen the student-athlete experience, through a new state-of-the-art athletics complex, a new fleet of vehicles, and modern practice gym.
“Wiley College continues its legacy on and off the field. Through this campaign, we continue our commitment to student-athletes with new facilities for training and competition. We have had a history of athletic competition including a 1945 SWAC National Championship (football), an All-Southwestern Athletic Conference, and the All-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics District 8 champions (golf). Our goal is to continue creating champions in academics and athletics through new experiences.” – Wiley College President & CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D.
“As the Chairman of the Wiley College Board of Trustees, it is an honor to be a part of this important year for Wiley College. For 150 years, Wiley College has been a beacon of light. As we celebrate, we honor our past and look forward to a future of 150 + years.” Attorney & BOT Chairman Billy R. Casey ’72.
Join us throughout the year for this historic milestone, as we celebrate Wiley College’s achievements and the substantial impact of the institution since its founding in 1873.
Wiley College, Marshall TX website
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Black College Fund provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities at 11 United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Black College Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
