University of Jamestown
The University of Jamestown is a private Christian[2] university in Jamestown, North Dakota. Founded in 1883 by the Presbyterian Church,[3] it has about 1,000 students enrolled and has been co-educational from its founding. Until August 2013, the school was known as Jamestown College.[4]
Motto | Latin: Lux et Veritas |
---|---|
Motto in English | Light and Truth |
Type | Private university |
Established | 1883 |
Religious affiliation | Christian |
Endowment | $36.1 million[1] |
President | Dr. Polly Peterson |
Provost | Paul J. Olson |
Students | 1136[1] |
Location | , , United States 46.914°N 98.698°W |
Campus | Urban (110 acres)[1] |
Colors | Orange and Black |
Athletics | NAIA — GPAC |
Nickname | Jimmies |
Affiliations | APCU |
Mascot | Knight |
Website | www.uj.edu |
History
The University of Jamestown was founded as Jamestown College in 1883, but closed fairly quickly during the depression of 1893. The school reopened in 1909 and has remained in operation ever since.
In 1979, Jamestown College's football team went to the NAIA National Championships.[5]
Two graduates of the institution have become Rhodes Scholars.[6]
In 2013, in light of a new master's program and applied doctorate degree program, Jamestown College changed its name to the University of Jamestown.[4]
In 2018, Dr. Robert Badal retired from his position as university president after serving in the role for nearly 16 years. He was succeeded by Dr. Polly Peterson.[7]
Athletics
The University of Jamestown athletic teams, nicknamed the Jimmies, are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) since the 2018–19 school year. The Jimmies formerly competed in the North Star Athletic Association, the now-defunct Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC), as well as an Independent of the Association of Independent Institutions (AII). Starting in 2016–17 The University of Jamestown introduced a men's ice hockey team that competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1 (ACHA). Men's sports include hockey, baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, track and field, volleyball and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball and wrestling. The University also boasts a co-ed eSports team.[8]
Notable people
Alumni
- Richard K. Armey (1962), U.S. Representative from Texas and House Majority Leader
- Ron Erhardt (1953), head coach of the NFL New England Patriots
- Ralph R. Erickson (1980), former chief judge on the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota and judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
- Jessica Haak, former member of the North Dakota House of Representatives
- Donald D. Lorenzen (1920–80), Los Angeles, California, City Council member, 1969–77
- George W. Johnson, President of George Mason University (1979–1996)[9]
- Barbara McClintock (1976), illustrator and author of children's books
- David Nething, Former member of the North Dakota State Senate
- Raquel Pa'aluhi,[10] professional Mixed Martial Artist, currently competing for Invicta FC[11]
- Alvin Plantinga (1950), John A. O'Brien Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. Author and philosopher
- Jasper Schneider, former acting administrator of the USDA Rural Utilities Service
- Kurt Schork (1969), reporter
- Kyle Schweigert, head football coach at the University of North Dakota
- Cory Mantyka, Canadian football player
- J. J. Syvrud, American football player
Faculty
- Larry Woiwode, accomplished author and poet, serving as Poet Laureate of the State of North Dakota since 1995
- William A. Wojnar, classical organist and Professor Emeritus of Music
See also
References
- "University of Jamestown - Best Colleges - Education - US News and World Report". USNews.com. US News and World Report. Retrieved 2018-10-24.
- "Our Mission". University of Jamestown. 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- "Our History". University of Jamestown. Retrieved February 16, 2012.
- "Jamestown College is now University of Jamestown" (Press release). University of Jamestown. August 21, 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-10-22. Retrieved 2013-08-21.
- "NAIA Football Championship History" (PDF). naia.org. National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. 2008-01-03. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-10-29. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
- "Rhodes Scholarships: Number of Winners by Institution" (PDF). U.S. Rhodes Scholarships: Number of Winners by Institution, U.S. Rhodes Scholars 1904 – 2018.
- Keith Norman, University of Jamestown president to retire, West Fargo Pioneer (February 16, 2018).
- Fairbanks, Katies. "UJ starting up eSports team". The Jamestown Sun. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
- Shapiro, T. Rees (2017-06-03). "George W. Johnson, college president who transformed GMU, dies at 88". Washington Post. Retrieved 2017-06-24.
- http://www.jimmieathletics.com/programHistory/0/17.php
- http://www.invictafc.com/portfolio-item/raquel-paaluhi/