1800s
Founded by the Freedman’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church near Marshall, Texas, to give Black youth the opportunity to pursue higher learning in the arts, sciences, and other professions. Named in honor of Bishop Issac T. Wiley, a minister, medical missionary, and educator. Rev. F.C. Moore served a the first President (1873-1876)
What is 1873?
The Beta chapter of five beta sigma fraternity Incorporated was founded on campus. The second chapter founded nationally
What is 1915
William Henry Smith arrived as choirmaster and compose the colleges alma mater during the era of The Great Debaters
What is 1939
Dr. Haywood Strickland was elected the 16th president on September 12, 2000
The institution reverted from Wiley College back to Wiley University alongside the introduction of three master’s programs, expanding beyond undergraduate education
What is 2023
Rather than moving farther from town, the founders relocated to school near Marshall onto 55 acres of wooded land the same site the university occupied today four additional buildings were built in enrollment grew to 160 students with 70 full-time faculty.
Thirkield Hall, a three-story building was constructed and named for Bishop Wilbur P. Thirkield, a close friend of the college and former president of Howard University
What is 1918-1919
Dr. Hayes served as president later retiring in June 1986
What is 1971-1986
The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington, was filmed on the Wiley campus, dramatizing professor Melvin Tolson and the debate team
What is 2007
Led by President Herman J Felton Jr. with roughly 636 students on a 134 acre rural campus. Motto: “Go Forth Inspired”
What is Today
Chartered at the time serving as both high school and a college.
What is 1882
Melvin Tolson, later the subject of The Great Debaters, was a professor of English and speech at Wiley.
What is 1924
Dr. David L Beckley served as the 12th president, elected by the Board of Trustees
What is 1987-1993
The Tom Joyner foundation named Wiley College. It’s school of the month for June 2011.
What is 2011
Henry B Pemberton became the first college graduate earning a B.A.
What is 1888
Dogan Hall was built to house women in dormitories.
What is 1925
Total enrollment reached over 1000 students
What is 2013
Isaiah B Scott, a former slave preacher, was named the first black president ending two decades of white leadership. He retired in 1896.
What is 1893
The school dropped “University” from its name, becoming Wiley College, discontinuing its high school and trade school programs.
What is 1929