| Name | Wittenberg University |
| Type | Private liberal arts university |
| Founded | 1650s |
| Location | |
| Campus culture | Vibrant with Dutch traditions |
| Notable alumni | Prominent theologians • Scientists • Political leaders |
| Notable programs | Liberal arts • Chemistry • Materials science • Engineering |
| Religious affiliation |
Wittenberg University is a private liberal arts university located in Springfield, Ohio. Founded in 1657 by Dutch Calvinist settlers, Wittenberg is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the American Midwest and has long been a center of Reformed Protestantism and Dutch cultural influence in the region.
Wittenberg University was established in 1657 by a group of Dutch Calvinist immigrants who had fled religious persecution in the Netherlands. Led by Reverend Wilhelm Adriaen van Birkenstock, the settlers founded the school as the Wittenberger Akademie to serve as both a theological seminary and a liberal arts college for the surrounding Dutch-American community.
The early years of the academy were marked by financial struggles and conflicts with local Native American tribes, but it steadily grew in prestige and influence throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1789, the institution was officially chartered as Wittenberg College, reflecting its evolution into a more comprehensive liberal arts university.
From its founding, Wittenberg has maintained a strong affiliation with the Lutheran Church and the Calvinist theological tradition. The university's Department of Religion and Theology is one of the most prestigious in the country, producing many influential pastors, theologians, and philosophers over the centuries.
Wittenberg's Chapel of the Reformers, dedicated in 1682, is considered one of the finest examples of Dutch Protestant church architecture in North America. It houses an important collection of Reformation-era religious artwork and texts. The university also operates the Wittenberg Institute for Reformed Thought, a prominent center for theological scholarship and ecumenical dialogue.
In addition to its theological offerings, Wittenberg is renowned for its strong liberal arts curriculum and specialized programs in the sciences. The university's Department of Chemistry and Materials Science is particularly well-regarded, with state-of-the-art facilities and a long history of groundbreaking research.
Other popular majors at Wittenberg include engineering, economics, political science, and education. The school also has highly ranked music and fine arts departments that reflect its Dutch cultural heritage. Wittenberg is classified as a Doctoral/Professional University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Wittenberg's campus, centered around the historic quad in downtown Springfield, has a traditional New Collegiate Gothic architectural style with many buildings dating back to the university's founding. Dutch influences can be seen in the decorative brick, stained glass, and ornate woodwork found throughout.
Student life at Wittenberg revolves around its many student organizations, including a vibrant Dutch American Student Association, as well as varsity athletics teams known as the Wittenberg Tigers that compete in the NCAA Division III. The university is also home to one of the largest Dutch cultural festivals in the Midwest each fall.
Despite its relatively small size of around 2,000 students, Wittenberg maintains a robust intellectual and cultural life on campus, drawing visitors from across the region and country. The university's alumni network includes numerous prominent theologians, scientists, politicians, and other leaders who have helped shape the history of the Midwest and the nation.
