History
Washburn was founded as Lincoln College, a private Congregational school, on February 6, 1865. Since few young people had a high school education at that time, the founders decided to offer a three year high school curriculum in addition to the college curriculum. Classes began January 3, 1866 with 38 high school students enrolled, including one African-American student.
Education
Washburn University is large enough to offer a quality education in approximately 200 areas of study. We are also small enough that faculty members will know your name and help you achieve your goals.
Research
Strategic Analysis and Reporting exists to serve internal and external constituents’ data and informational needs. Internally, we partner with offices throughout Washburn University to provide clean, timely, and actionable data and analyses to help the University serve its strategic needs, especially as they relate to helping students succeed.
Career
Career Services provides assistance to Washburn University students in two major areas:
- Deciding on majors and careers, including career counseling
- Job search preparation and execution
It is the goal of Career Services to help students learn about and develop lifelong skills, techniques, and resources that will help them with career development. Career Services is not an employment agency; we refer all qualified candidates, but do not recommend individual students to employers, nor individual employers to students.
Our services are free to Washburn University students. Alumni services are free as well, with the exception of fee-based advanced career assessments.
Student services
The Student Life team provides and coordinates non-academic options for Washburn’s diverse student population. We are facilitators of learning from advising students to sponsoring student organizations to serving as mentors. We’ll help you to function in groups, resolve conflicts, develop leadership skills, and gain knowledge within the Washburn framework. Then, we’ll help you learn how to apply these skills to your life following graduation.
Housing services
Living on campus is a convenient way to get involved at Washburn. You will have close access to your classroom and study spaces, dining facilities, and other campus resources. Make friends and connections right where you live.
Living on campus isn't just about the ease of getting to class and activities - it is about late-night study sessions, meeting life-long friends and learning new things about yourself. There is nothing quite like living and learning in the heart of the Washburn community. To help everyone find the right home, we offer six housing facilities with traditional, suite-style and apartment options.
Library services
Mabee Library is the heart of Washburn University and people are the heart of the Library. Our staff is committed to student success. The Mabee is the place to take assignments from start to finish, to reflect between classes, to relax on a busy afternoon, or to plug into the Web and to discover new ideas and experiences.
Medical services
The mission of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center is to provide awareness, education, opportunities, and support resulting in enduring healthy lifestyle habits. We strive to enrich the quality of campus life by promoting and offering opportunities for physical and mental growth as well as social interaction in healthy surroundings and superior recreational facilities.
Campus life
Washburn's beautiful campus - on 160 acres - is easy to navigate with state-of-the art facilities. Our Tech campus on Huntoon offers industry-standard programs leading to in-demand jobs. And with our low student/faculty ratio and small classes, you're going to get to know your professors.
Sports facilities
The mission of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center is to provide awareness, education, opportunities, and support resulting in enduring healthy lifestyle habits.
Student clubs
- National Technical Honor Society.
- Recycled Rides.
- SkillsUSA.
- Student Activities Board.
Washburn University is accredited or approved by the Higher Learning Commission.