William Penn University provides the opportunity for an educational experience with a focus on leadership, technology, and the Quaker principles of simplicity, peace-making, integrity, community, and equality.
These goals identify how the principles listed in the Mission Statement will be pursued and how the University will provide an educational opportunity for its students, through the University’s Academic Programs and Co-Curricular Departments.
Leadership: We will influence others to worthy action
Technology: We will master relevant technology
Simplicity: We will focus on essential ideas and values
Peacemaking: We will understand various view points and be able to respectfully and peaceably embrace, negotiate, or decline those views
Integrity: We will create new and relevant knowledge and methods
Community: We will cooperate, communicate, and coordinate our efforts. We will also participate in communities beyond the University
Equality: We will create the opportunity for all to learn and share their experience
At William Penn University our mission isn’t simply a set of goals we hope to achieve. It’s who we are at our very core. It’s the belief that every individual has value and deserves access to a quality education. That it’s our differences that really do make us stronger. Our Quaker principles are the pillars of true leadership in today’s world.
To realize a powerful vision for the future, it takes an equally powerful history from which to gain the necessary knowledge, perspective, and perseverance. At William Penn, we have that kind of history. Founded in 1873 by Quaker settlers who strongly valued education and then named for the Quaker, William Penn, the University was located in Oskaloosa and graduated its first class in 1875. Since our founding we’ve persevered through a 1916 fire that destroyed the original campus, transitioned from college to university status, led the way in educational programs for working adults, and greatly expanded our campus and facilities.
The first graduate of William Penn, in 1875, was a woman—something that was relatively unheard of at the time. This is a testament to our Quaker heritage and belief system. We believe in simplicity, peace-making, integrity, community, and equality. We believe education is for all, because there is value in everyone. We believe in celebrating our Christian faith and letting it frame our outlook on the 21st-century world while also welcoming those with other spiritual beliefs. And we believe that education brings many rewards in life as well as a responsibility to use our knowledge for the service of others.
Explore the significant milestones that have shaped our institution since its founding over 140 years ago.
Discover President John E.E. Ottosson’s insights into the enduring mission, visionary goals, and rich heritage of William Penn University—and why they continue to resonate powerfully with today’s students.