Who cares about a small college closing?
Iowa Wesleyan University to close in Mount Pleasant, Iowa after 181 years.
There are those who think that we have too many colleges in Iowa, and after all, can’t students just take classes online these days? They probably applaud Governor Kim Reynold’s decision not to help a failing college, even if it is Iowa Wesleyan University, the oldest college in Iowa, 181 years of age. It’s older than the state itself, holding classes since 1842. However, I’d argue we’re losing sight of something. With all of the fuss about “parental rights,” what happened to students’ rights? What happened to the right to get an education at a small university—or teach at one?
To be sure, the small private University had struggled in recent years, due to increased operating costs, changes in enrollment trends, and a drop in charitable gifts. The pandemic didn’t help, either. The University reached out to the governor’s office in February, asking for a $12 million dollar loan, which was rejected.
The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports,“In early February, Iowa Wesleyan submitted a formal proposal to the governor’s office, asking for $12 million in assistance in the form of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds intended to help Iowa recover from the financial effects of the pandemic. The school argued that such assistance would be in keeping with Reynolds’ Empower Rural Iowa Initiative.” In addition, three other colleges asked for $12 million dollars but we haven’t been told if any of them were granted money from the American Rescue Plan.
KCCI shared one student’s heartfelt comment. "It’s hard to look at new schools and just feel like I’d fit in just as well there as I do here," sophomore Abigail Thompson said. "It's going to be a huge adjustment."
The 850 students will be able to transfer to other colleges, certainly, but hasn’t the past three years of the pandemic already furnished enough stress? The transition to a new campus, teachers, students, and schedules will be difficult.
Let’s not forget the 110 faculty and staff also affected by the closure, as well as the town itself. According to an article by John Redfield, the University brought in $55 million dollars each year to the local economy. Local business owners are nervous, wondering if they will survive. The closure will have a dramatic impact on the community and economy. A local article’s subtitle reads “The community will feel the impact financially, socially, and culturally.” Imagine the challenge of the area’s K-12 schools, projecting enrollment for next fall. Imagine 100 teachers and faculty trying to sell houses.
Why don’t we care more about public and private higher education in Iowa? Why does it make sense to turn this historic college over to the USDA for its $26 million dollars of debts? What happens now to Mount Pleasant, a small town of 9,274, the county seat of Henry County?
If only we had a budget surplus. Wait, we do.
Sources
An Iowa university will close in May after 181 years.
https://www.iw.edu/iowa-wesleyan-directory/
Faculty and Staff directory.
Mt. Pleasant mourns loss of the University: The community will feel the impact financially, socially, and culturally. AnnaMarie Ward, Mar. 30, 2023.
Corporate tax cuts triggered as Iowa announces nearly $2 billion surplus
BY: ROBIN OPSAHL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
Owing $26 million to the USDA, Iowa Wesleyan University announces closure.
BY: CLARK KAUFFMAN - MARCH 28, 2023