McDaniel College

McDaniel College, originally founded as Western Maryland College in 1867, holds a distinguished place in educational history as the first coeducational institution south of the Mason-Dixon line. From its very inception, the college embraced a forward-thinking charter, welcoming students without regard to race, religion, color, or sex, a truly revolutionary stance for its time.

Over its rich history, McDaniel has evolved significantly. While it maintained a voluntary affiliation with the Methodist Church for over a century, these ties were formally cut in 1974, marking a pivotal moment in its secular development. The campus itself is a tapestry of history and progress, featuring the beautiful Baker Memorial Chapel with its impressive 2,310-pipe organ, and even a Cold War-era bunker in one of its science buildings, hinting at its unexpected role in national security.

The early 2000s brought a significant transformation when Western Maryland College proudly became McDaniel College in 2002, honoring alumnus William Roberts McDaniel for his profound 65-year association with the institution. Beyond its historical roots, McDaniel is known for its commitment to global education through its European campus in Budapest, established in 1994. The college also has a unique legacy, having served for decades as the summer training camp home for the Baltimore Colts and later the Baltimore Ravens NFL teams, fostering a vibrant, community-oriented student experience amidst a campus continuously updated with modern facilities like new science halls, a gymnasium, library, and student union.

Under the leadership of President Julia Jasken, inaugurated in 2021, McDaniel College continues to build on its foundation of pioneering education and adaptive growth, preparing students for a dynamic future.