Greenville University

In 1855, Stephen Morse and Almira Blanchard founded a college for women, Almira College, which shared an affiliation with Baptists , and educated young women. A change in leadership, affiliation, and organization occurred in 1892. At that time, the Central Illinois Conference of the Free Methodist Church purchased the property of Almira College and named it Greenville College . The institution was restructured to offer a co-educational experience. The institution was also incorporated as an independent college under the leadership of the Free Methodist Church. Greenville College was renamed Greenville University in 2017. [ 6 ]

Students attending Greenville University are expected to adhere to a lifestyle that is codified and asks that the student agree to certain principles that the school calls "Christ-honoring", outlined in a document known as the Lifestyle Statement. [ 7 ] Violations of the lifestyle statement are handled through a grace-based system which seeks to help students recover from any negative effects (e.g. addiction, emotional distress) and rehabilitate them to live according to what they believe is Christ's purpose for their life. [ 7 ] The Lifestyle Statement exists to keep the GU community accountable for having a healthy lifestyle that keeps the individual in line with God's redemptive plan. It includes instructions for all students to avoid: " backbiting , cheating, dishonesty, drunkenness , gossip, immodesty of dress, lying, occult practices, profanity, sexual promiscuity (including adultery , homosexual behavior, pre-marital sex), theft, and vulgarity (including crude language)." Other actions that students must agree to refrain from, both while on and away from campus, include: "the use of tobacco in any form, alcoholic beverages, hallucinogenic drugs and substances (including marijuana ), or narcotics not authorized by a physician", gambling, and using or possessing pornography . And, in keeping with the institution's focus on Christian principles, the document states: "Members of the community are to observe the Lord's Day (Sunday) as a day set apart primarily for worship, fellowship, ministry, and rest." These principles are set in place to hold students accountable for creating a learning environment that intends to stands out from other universities and offer unique benefits to the health and well-being of the student. Greenville University states that it is committed to providing support without judgment to anyone suffering from any kind of problem, addiction, or mental illness.

[ 8 ] Struggling students are often encouraged to receive counseling or meet with a mentor in order to provide professional support as they attempt to make lifestyle changes. Undergraduate students are not required to sign a statement of faith; however, they must fulfill at least 10 chapel credits each semester. Most of these credits are fulfilled by attending a chapel service that is available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of every academic week at 9:30am.

A view of Greenville's library Nearly 800 students live on campus in a variety of residence halls including Joy Hall, Janssen Hall, Burritt Hall, Holtwick Hall, Blakenship Apartments, Tenney Hall, Kinney Hall, and Ellen J. Mannoia Hall (formerly known as College Avenue Hall). An additional 101-bed dormitory, called Hood Hall (formerly known as West Oak Hall), opened in the fall of 2007. [ 9 ] Students also live in a number of college-owned houses. In the summer of 2007, Janssen Hall (originally constructed in 1959) was gutted and completely updated and remodeled. [ 9 ] Joy Hall was renovated in the summer of 2011 to bring it up to modern safety code. The college is home to the only museum dedicated to the works of sculptor Richard Bock , an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright . The first classes of Almira College in the 1850s were held in John Brown White's home, which is called the Almira College House; it houses Bock's sculptures. [ 10 ] In 1999, under the leadership of President Mannoia , the college became the first campus in the nation to install a completely wireless internet network across the entire campus. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] Hogue Hall Quick facts Location, Coordinates ... Old Main, Almira College U.S. National Register of Historic Places Hogue Hall and college sign c. 2006 Show map of Illinois Show map of the United States Location 315 E. College St., Greenville, Illinois Coordinates 38°53′35″N 89°24′31″W Area 1 acre (0.40 ha) Built 1860 Architectural style Italianate NRHP reference number "}]]}">No. 75000638 [ 13 ] Added to NRHP April 21, 1975 Close In Memory of John Brown White, Teacher, Counsellor, and Friend, First President, Almira College, Founded in 1855. Placed By His Grateful Pupils 1931. —Plaque on Hogue Hall The previous oldest building on campus, Wilson T. Hogue Hall, originally housed Almira College. Bricks for the building were made on the front campus in 1855, and the building was erected between 1856 and 1864 and given the name "Old Main".