Waldorf University

Waldorf University is a private for-profit university[1] in Forest City, Iowa.[3] It was founded in 1903 and associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its predecessors. In 2010, it was sold to Columbia Southern University and became a for-profit institution; 12 years later, ownership was transferred to the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation.[4]

Waldorf University
Former names
Waldorf College (1903–2016)
MottoLux et Veritas
Motto in English
Light and Truth
TypePrivate for-profit university[1]
Established1903
Parent institution
Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation
PresidentRobert Alsop
Academic staff
71
Students2,763 (fall 2022)[1]
Location
Forest City
,
Iowa
,
United States

43.263365°N 93.639992°W / 43.263365; -93.639992
CampusRural, 50 acres
ColorsPurple and gold[2]
   
NicknameWarriors
Sporting affiliations
NAIA – North Star Athletic Association
Websitewww.waldorf.edu

History

Waldorf University, founded in 1903 as Waldorf College, was a result of "The Great Hotel War of Forest City", a competitive battle between Forest City's two upper-class hotels, which were built at the same time. The result was the Waldorf Hotel being left vacant after only four months of operation. The vacant hotel provided an opportunity for Rev. C.S. Salveson to create a Christian college. Waldorf started out as an academy and business college, not just a preparatory program for future pastors. From its earliest days, Waldorf viewed education sponsored by the church as essential for success in society.[5]

Since 1920, Waldorf's curriculum has evolved to reflect a liberal arts emphasis. Today almost all Waldorf students intend to earn a bachelor's degree. In the spring of 1994, Waldorf College was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.[5] In January 2010, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America sold the college to a subsidiary of Columbia Southern University and it became a for-profit institution.[6] Waldorf College became Waldorf University in March 2016.[7] In 2022, the ownership of the college was transferred to the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation and the university began the process of returning to nonprofit status.[8]

Academics

Waldorf University offers associate, bachelor, and master's degree programs, as well as several undergraduate certificate options and online career-prep programs.[9][10] It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).[11][12]

Undergraduate admissions

According to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report, Waldorf University is considered "less selective" and had an admissions acceptance rate of 72%.[13] Peterson's - The Real Guide to Colleges and Universities ranked Waldorf College admission as being moderately difficult.[14]

Honor societies

Waldorf University is home to Iowa Iota, Chapter 364 of Region IV of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. Alpha Chi is a national college honor society that admits, by invitation, college juniors, seniors and graduate students in any academic discipline who are in the top 10% of their class.[15]

Waldorf University Theatre is home to the Alpha Epsilon Omega cast of Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society (APO). Waldorf University is also an active member in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.[16]

The university is also home to the Alpha Iota Lambda chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda, which is the oldest and largest national honor society for non-traditional students.[17]

Athletics

Waldorf's athletic teams are called the Warriors. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) since the 2015–16 academic year. The Warriors previously competed in these defunct conferences: the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) from 2012–13 to 2014–15; and the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) from 2003–04 to 2011–12.[18]

Waldorf competes in 22 intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, soccer, track & field and wrestling; women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball and wrestling; and co-ed sports include cheerleading, eSports and shooting sports. The university expanded athletics in 2010 by adding men's ice hockey and women's wrestling.[19]

Football

The Waldorf Warriors football team represents the university in college football.

Men's soccer

The Waldorf Warriors men's soccer team represents the university in college soccer. It won the Association of Independence Institutions (AII) conference championship, beating Georgia Gwinnett College in 2017 to claim its first conference title in the sport.

Cheerleading

The Waldorf Warriors cheerleaders are a competitive squad known for all-female stunting routines.

Ice hockey

The ice hockey team began play during the 2011–12 academic year and plays an independent schedule of club programs, as the NAIA does not currently sponsor a championship for ice hockey.[20] The program is coached by Mike Heitkamp and assistant coach Ty Prater.

Women's wrestling

Waldorf launched Iowa's first collegiate women's wrestling program in 2010.[21]

Notable alumni


References
  1. "College Navigator - Waldorf University". National Center for Education Statistics. 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  2. "Waldorf University Branding". Retrieved 2016-05-10.
  3. "About Us". www.waldorf.edu. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  4. "Waldorf University finalizes transfer of ownership". www.waldorf.edu. Retrieved 2022-12-09.
  5. "History". www.waldorf.edu. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  6. "Waldorf College Sold, No Longer Affiliated with ELCA". Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. January 13, 2010. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  7. AJ Taylor (2016-03-17). "Waldorf College is Changing It's [sic] Name Today – Mix 107.3 KIOW". Kiow.com. Retrieved 2016-05-10.
  8. "Waldorf University ownership is now Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation". Globe Gazette. 2022-12-02. Retrieved 2022-12-03.
  9. "Academics". www.waldorf.edu. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  10. "Programs of Study". www.waldorf.edu. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  11. "Accreditation & Licensure". www.waldorf.edu. Retrieved 2016-01-26.
  12. Yost, Rae (21 November 2012). "Waldorf College reaches a gold standard". Mason City Globe Gazette. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  13. "Waldorf College | Best College | US News". colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com. Retrieved 2016-01-26.
  14. "Waldorf College in Forest City, IA - Find information about admissions, tuition, majors and campus life at Petersons.com". Petersons's. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  15. "List of Chapters by Region – Alpha Chi". Alpha Chi National College Honorary. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  16. "Get Involved with Theatre". Waldorf University. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  17. "Chapter Directory". Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  18. "Members". Midwest Collegiate Conference. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
  19. "Waldorf to Launch Hockey Team". Waldorf College. September 22, 2010. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
  20. Yost, Rae (September 16, 2010). "Waldorf College adds hockey program". Forest City Summit. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
  21. "Waldorf College launches new women's wrestling program". Access News. 2010. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
  22. "Josh Neer MMA Bio". Retrieved 2014-01-01.
  23. "Henry Waechter". databaseFootball.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
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