Engineering a New Future: OWU Launches the Conrades School of Engineering

For 183 years, Ohio Wesleyan University has been known as a liberal arts institution that excels in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Yet one area has always been missing: a full-fledged engineering program.

Students interested in engineering traditionally pursued OWU’s pre-engineering track, spending three years here before transferring to a partner university to complete their degree. While effective, the model often left students feeling torn between their

love for OWU’s community and the need to finish their studies elsewhere.

That gap is now being filled. On December 1, 2025, OWU President Matt vandenBerg

announced the creation of the Conrades School of Engineering, funded by more than $17 million in alumni donations. The school is named in honor of alumni George Conrades ‘61 and Patricia “Patsy” Belt Conrades ’63, whose $13 million gift provided the foundation for this transformative expansion.

“This is the most ambitious academic expansion in our history,” vandenBerg said. “It positions OWU as a leader in combining liberal arts education with engineering innovation.”

The Conrades School of Engineering will launch its first program in mechanical engineering in Fall 2027, with plans to expand into other disciplines. For the first time, students will be able to complete their engineering degree entirely at OWU, while still benefiting from the university’s hallmark liberal arts foundation.

This shift is monumental. It means students no longer have to choose between staying at OWU and pursuing engineering. Instead, they can enjoy the best of both worlds: rigorous technical training alongside the broad, critical-thinking skills that a liberal arts education provides.

The decision reflects both alumni vision and student demand. Engineering is one of the fastest- growing fields in higher education, and OWU recognized the need to provide pathways that keep students on campus while preparing them for careers in technology, design, and innovation.

For prospective students, the addition of engineering broadens OWU’s scope dramatically. “I’ve always loved the idea of a small liberal arts school, but I wanted engineering,” said one high school senior touring campus. “Now OWU is on my list—it’s the perfect combination.”

The new program makes OWU more competitive in attracting students who might otherwise have chosen larger universities with established engineering schools. By offering engineering within a liberal arts framework, OWU differentiates itself from both traditional liberal arts colleges and large technical institutions.

Admissions ambassadors are already preparing to highlight the program on tours.

“It’s a game- changer,” said one ambassador. “We can now tell prospective students that OWU offers engineering without sacrificing the close-knit community and personal attention that make us unique.”

The Conrades School of Engineering is a testament to alumni commitment. George and Patsy Conrades envisioned a program that would prepare students not only for technical careers but also for leadership roles in society. Their gift ensures that OWU can compete nationally while staying true to its mission.

Other alumni have echoed this sentiment, noting that the expansion strengthens OWU’s

reputation and makes it more attractive to future generations.

“This is bold,” said one graduate. “It shows OWU is serious about preparing students for the future.”

The program will also impact Delaware, OH. Engineering students will engage in community- based projects, internships, and collaborations with local industries. This strengthens OWU’s role as both an educational institution and a driver of regional innovation.

For students, this means opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world contexts, building resumes and networks before graduation. For Delaware, it means access to fresh talent and innovative ideas.

The first mechanical engineering majors will arrive in Fall 2027, but planning is already

underway. Faculty are designing curricula, facilities are being prepared, and partnerships with industry leaders are being explored.

For OWU, the Conrades School of Engineering represents more than just a new major—it’s a statement about the university’s future. By combining the breadth of a liberal arts education with the depth of engineering training, OWU is positioning itself as a place where students can learn to think critically, act ethically, and innovate boldly.

The launch of the Conrades School of Engineering fills a long-standing gap in OWU’s academic offerings. It broadens the university’s scope, makes it more attractive to prospective students, and ensures that future Bishops can pursue engineering careers without leaving the campus they love.

In short, OWU is engineering a new future—one that honors its tradition while embracing innovation, ensuring that the university remains a destination for students who want both academic rigor and community connection.