Lindsey Wilson College

Lindsey Wilson University was founded in 1903 as a training school by the Louisville Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South . Named in memory after the late nephew and stepson of Catherine Wilson of Lebanon, Kentucky, who died in 1902, the school was originally called Lindsey Wilson Training School to prepare young people of the area for coursework at Vanderbilt University and training students to become educators. [ 4 ] Lindsey Wilson's first day of classes was held on January 3, 1904, attended by 222 students. The college ended its relationship with Vanderbilt in 1914 and in 1923 Lindsey Wilson became Lindsey Wilson Junior College when it expanded its curriculum to offer a two-year liberal arts program. In 1951, the college received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools . [ 4 ] The training school remained on campus until 1979. At its 1985 April meeting, the Lindsey Wilson Board of Trustees voted to transform the college into a four-year liberal arts college and gained its present name. [ 4 ] The bachelor's degree was the highest degree attainable at the college until 1993 when a master of education in counseling and human development was launched. A doctorate of philosophy in counselor education and supervision began in 2014. At homecoming 1991, the college's main campus was named the A.P. White Campus, in honor of the college's second president, who shepherded the school through the Great Depression. Among the first buildings on campus were the current L.R. McDonald Administration Building (funded in part by Catherine Wilson's estate gift) and Phillip's Hall (funded by Mrs. James Phillips and Mrs. Kizzie Russell, both of Russell County, Kentucky). [ 5 ] Many photographs can be found in the Katie Murrell Library of the Holloway Building that depict the early years of the institution. The Holloway Building also includes the Thomas D.

Clark Reading Room, named in honor of the late Kentucky historian laureate who donated his personal library to the college. In the 2000s, Lindsey Wilson's A.P. White Campus underwent a transformation, thanks to more than $100 million in capital projects: the Jim and Helen Lee Fugitte Science Center, funded by the biggest single gift in college history, was completed in fall 2007; Lindsey Wilson Sports Park – which includes a football and track & field stadium, Egnew Park baseball field and Marilyn D. Sparks Park softball field – opened in 2009; the Doris and Robert Holloway Health & Wellness Center opened in February 2010; Dr. Robert and Carol Goodin Nursing and Counseling Center opened in fall 2011; and four residence halls were added to the campus between 2001 and 2014: Richardson Hall, Harold D. Smith Hall, McCandless Hall and Keefe Hall. [ 6 ] Among former LWU administrators include the late Methodist clergyman and former Kentucky State Sen. Doug Moseley . Sen. Moseley also donated his personal library to the college's Clark Reading Room. A former trustee was the late Robert L. Miller , the mayor of Campbellsville from 1966 to 1998. [ 7 ] The historian Betty Jane Gorin-Smith , before her retirement from education, taught occasional courses at Lindsey Wilson. [ 8 ] In August 2014, Lindsey Wilson launched several online programs with plans to add more in subsequent semesters. [ 9 ] [ 10 ] In April 2025, the college announced that it would be changing its name from Lindsey Wilson College to Lindsey Wilson University on July 1 due to changing dynamics at the school and to provide clarity to international students. [ 11 ]

The 200 acre A.P. White Campus consists of 28 administrative buildings, 19 dormitories and apartment complexes, 12 athletic facilities, and 4 facilities for maintenance. [ 12 ] The Roberta D. Cranmer Dining and Conference Center (1993) serves Lindsey Wilson students, faculty and staff. In addition, the dining and conference center is utilized by citizens and groups throughout south central Kentucky. A 10,000-square-foot addition to the Holloway Building, which houses the Katie Murrell Library, was opened in August 2002, doubling the size of library space. The W.W. Slider Humanities Center opened during the 1996‑97 school year. The center houses an arts center, classrooms and faculty offices, and it enhanced the region's cultural and artistic offerings. The John B. Begley Chapel (1997) was designed by architect E. Fay Jones , an American Institute of Architects Gold Medal recipient and disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright. The $2 million chapel was the first building placed on the LWC A.P. White Campus whose sole purpose was worship. The Walter S. Reuling Stadium (1998) is a European-style soccer field. Dr. Shilpan M. Patel Amphitheater (2003) includes a 150-seat amphitheater and park area. The Jim and Helen Lee Fugitte Science Center (2006) features eight laboratories and spacious study areas. The center is home to LWC's baccalaureate programs in biology, mathematics and psychophysiology. The Sumner Center for Campus Ministries (2005) and the Norma and Glen Hodge Center for Discipleship (2009) are home to the university's campus ministry program. The Lindsey Wilson Sports Park (2010) includes Blue Raider Stadium for football, and track and field; Egnew Park for baseball; and Marilyn D. Sparks Park for softball.

The 73,232-square-foot Doris and Bob Holloway Health & Wellness Center (2010) amenities include an indoor, eight-lane swimming pool; recreation pool; indoor walking track; aerobic and dance studio; cardiovascular area/equipment; basketball and volleyball courts; and a weight-lifting room. Ten residence halls provide students a living-learning environment at Lindsey Wilson university: Henry and Mary Ellen Lilly Residence Hall (1996), Richardson Hall (2000), Harold J. Smith Hall (2010), Jerry and Kendrick McCandless Hall (2011), and Keefe Hall (2014). Dr. Robert and Carol Goodin Nursing and Counseling Center (2011) is a 27,100-square-foot, two-story building and is home to LWC's baccalaureate nursing program and features a state-of-the-art simulated hospital area which allows nursing students to prepare for real-life clinical experiences in a safe learning environment. It is also home to the School of Professional Counseling. The Pines at Lindsey Wilson (2009) is an 18-hole golf course located less than five miles from the A.P. White Campus, the Pines at Lindsey Wilson is open to members. The Blue Raider Band Building (2009) is home of the university's marching and concert bands. The six-court Henry Baughman Tennis Complex opened in fall 2010.