At Marian University, our vision is to provide an education that profoundly transforms lives, society, and the world. Our mission is to be a Catholic university dedicated to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. We welcome students of all faiths who seek an educational experience framed within the context of our Franciscan values of dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship. Our understanding of these values is informed by reflection on the life of Jesus Christ and prayer.
The institution grew out of the dedication and vision of Sister Theresa Hackelmeier and the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, who established a school in Oldenburg, Indiana, in 1851. The college was founded in Oldenburg in 1936 and moved to Indianapolis in 1937. On July 1, 2009, Marian College became Marian University. On October 19, 2012 the university will celebrate its 75th anniversary in Indianapolis.
Daniel J. Elsener became the eighth president of Marian College, now Marian University, on August 1, 2001. President Elsener has dedicated his professional life to the mission of Catholic education. As a result of his energetic and visionary leadership the university has experienced great success recruiting students and raising money to advance the mission of the university.
Location
Marian University is located in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana—one of America’s largest and most vibrant metropolitan areas. Although only 10 minutes from downtown, the safe, beautiful campus is also perfect for people who enjoy peace and quiet.
Schools and Accreditation
Marian University has five schools, an adult program, and one college.
- Clark H. Byrum School of Business
- School of Education
- School of Liberal Arts
- School of Mathematics and Sciences
- School of Nursing
- Marian’s Adult Programs (MAP)
- Marian University-College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM will open in August 2013)
Marian University offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level degrees. One certificate program, 36 majors, 37 minors, 15 associates, and 27 concentrations are offered. We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602; 312.263.7462), the American Osteopathic Association, the National Council for Teacher Education, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (1 Dupont Circle NW Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036). Specific academic programs are approved by the Indiana Professional Standards Board, the Indiana State Board of Nurses’ Registration and Nursing Education, and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Academic Excellence
Marian University is ideal for students who are looking for personalized instruction from an outstanding faculty of 97 full-time professors and 152 part-time professors. More than 2,500 full- and part-time students from 31 states and 8 countries attend Marian University. Classes average 17 students, and student-faculty ratio is 15:1.
Tuition and Financial Assistance
Marian University’s comprehensive financial aid packages make a Marian University education affordable. Grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans are available. For current tuition and room and board figures, check our web site.
Campus Life
Talk about a place where everybody knows your name! Marian University is a close-knit community focused on the needs of students and committed to their education, safety, social well-being, and success. Our four residence halls and student apartments provide a safe, wholesome, and fun community life. You’ll always find plenty to do on and around campus.
Your Leadership Potential
A close-knit community means more opportunities to get involved and develop your leadership skills. You’ll have more chances to lead in the areas that really interest you…and more chances to explore new interests, too!
Success… For Life
Other schools may prepare you for a career. Marian University prepares you for life.
Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the recruiting and selection of students for admission.
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
Athletics
Originally a teacher training school formed in 1851 by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, St. Francis Normal School became a four-year state-approved institution in 1936. During that year, it merged with Immaculate Conception Junior College to form Marian College. In late 1936, the Sisters of St. Francis purchased the former James Allison estate, “Riverdale,” as a site for Marian College. In 1937, the college moved to Indianapolis after securing a state charter and the purchase of the Allison estate, home to the famed Allison Mansion.
While athletics was not established until the institution became co-educational in 1954-55, the Department of Physical Education mandated, in 1940, a one-year sports participation requirement for women to graduate. By 1943, sports clubs began to form, offering a variety of choices for women. Swimming, ice skating, horseback riding, archery, and tennis were mainstays and led to the Marian College Student Athletic Association and its annual “play day.” In 1948, the college began an expansion program that included the building of Clare Hall, the original gymnasium, and Marian Hall. In 1954, the school became the first co-educational Catholic college in Indiana and, with the development of the co-ed institution, varsity athletics were introduced.
1954-55 Men’s Basketball Team
The Marian College Department of Athletics was born with the sport of men’s basketball being the first official varsity sport on campus in 1954-55. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Knights opened that first season with a 3-8 overall record. Through the end of the 1950s, Marian College added the sports of baseball (1956), men’s golf (1957), men’s tennis (1958), and men’s cross country (1960). Marian College athletics, under the guidance of the first athletic director and men’s basketball coach, Walt Fields, flourished with its five sports. Cleon Reynolds assumed control of the department in 1963 and governed athletics until Ed Schilling assumed control for five years. Marian College added just one sport in the 1970s, women’s volleyball, and stayed stagnant until 1975-76 when head basketball coach and athletic director John Grimes took control of the department.
Cleon Reynolds became
Director of Athletics in 1963.
Coach Grimes’ 26-year tenure as athletic director saw the athletic department expand from five to 17 sports and join the Mid-Central College Conference in Indiana in 1988-89. In addition, Grimes led Knights basketball to three NAIA national tournaments and three MCC championships. Coach Grimes retired from his athletic director duties in 2005 after earning the distinction of NAIA Region VIII Athletic Director of the Year. A new era was established due to his diligence as Marian College hired its first full-time athletic director in 2005-06.
Joe Haklin assumed control of Knights athletics in 2005-06 and has overseen the development of the football program. He has provided sound governance over Marian College’s 20 varsity sports since his hiring in October 2005, and he has made great contributions during his tenure. He was an essential figure in the development of the Physical Education Center expansion in 2006-07 and St.Vincent Health Field at Marian College, which is a multi-purpose facility that includes an artificial playing surface, an eight-lane track as well as the development of the new varsity softball field and tennis courts.
In addition, the Marian College Board of Trustees approved a plan to expand the department of athletics by adding the sport of men’s and women’s bowling as the 20th and 21st varsity sports at Marian College. The teams will begin competing in the fall of 2010.
On July 1, 2009, Marian College became Marian University. Marian University is on the move and making history.