Ottawa University History

Ottawa University is proud of its heritage and rich history. Our roots stem from a desire to provide educational opportunities to under-served populations.

From 1837 to 1855, Baptist missionaries Reverend Jotham Meeker and his wife, Eleanor, devoted themselves to improving the lives of the Ottawa Indians and inspiring a hunger for education and Christianity. After the Meekers' deaths, John Tecumseh (Tauy) Jones carried on the Meekers' commitment to the tribe. Serving as an interpreter and Baptist minister, he was responsible for arranging a meeting between the Baptists and the Ottawa Indians, which led to the development of Ottawa University.

The Ottawa Indians donated 20,000 acres for a university to ensure the education of their children. In exchange, the Baptists agreed to build and operate the school with a promise to provide free education to the Ottawa Indians. Today, Ottawa University continues to provide tuition-free undergraduate education at The College in Ottawa, Kansas, to descendants of the Kansas Ottawa Indians. 

After delays due to the Civil War, Ottawa University was officially established in 1865. The first building, erected on campus in the spring of 1869, was destroyed by fire in 1875. However, through generous support of the community, it was rebuilt in 1876. It stands today, appropriately named Tauy Jones Hall. The first commencement was held in 1886, with the graduation of one student. Throughout it's over 140-year history, the original campus in Ottawa, Kansas has enjoyed many changes and additions to become the beautiful campus it is today. The original college in Ottawa, Kansas serves as our residential campus offering a variety of programs, 14 varsity sports and 30 on-campus student organizations including the oldest student-run newspaper in Kansas.

In the early 1970s, Ottawa University recognized a growing demand for programs suited to the needs and learning styles of adult students. Ottawa University was one of the pioneers in adult education in the United States, opening its first adult campus in Kansas City in 1974. Since that time, additional campuses focusing on the needs of working adults have been established in Arizona (1977), Wisconsin (1992) and Indiana (2002). Degree-completion programs were also developed internationally beginning in 1986.  Online degrees are also available.

Today, Ottawa University offers Bachelor degree majors in over 25 disciplines including math, sciences, fine arts, Religion, Education and business. A Master of Business Administration as well as Master of Arts programs in Human Resources, Professional Counseling and Education are also available.

Ottawa University Mission

The mission of Ottawa University is to provide the highest quality liberal arts and professional education in a caring, Christ-centered community of grace which integrates faith, learning and life.  The University serves students of traditional age, adult learners and organizations through undergraduate and graduate programs.