Historical Perspective

William Woods University has a long and fascinating history originating in the aftermath of the American Civil War. First known as the Female Orphan School, the institution that is now William Woods University was founded in 1870 in Camden Point, Missouri in response to the needs of female children orphaned during the war.

During the late nineteenth century, the institution moved to Fulton, Missouri, and expanded its elementary and secondary programs to accommodate young women who aspired to become teachers. Known briefly at the beginning of the twentieth century as Daughters College, the institution changed its name to William Woods College to honor a major benefactor and began offering a two-year college program. In 1962, anticipating dramatic changes in the role of American women in the labor force, William Woods became a four-year college.

Expanding its mission to address the need for graduate and adult-oriented programs, the institution became known as William Woods University in 1993 and began offering graduate degrees and admitting men as well as women into all of its programs.

An independent institution, chartered by the State of Missouri, governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees, and in an ongoing covenant relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), William Woods University remains committed to serving the public good by helping students link intellectual development with the responsibilities of citizenship and
professional life.