Students, community members react to Iowa Wesleyan closing

Iowa Wesleyan University students and Mount Pleasant community members on Tuesday responded to news their institution is closing in May. Students are expected to complete their studies as planned this spring semester.

Senior criminal justice student Brooke James: “We just registered for classes. I just got accepted into the GA (graduate assistant) program so I could get my master’s (degree) for free.”

Rachel Lindeen, executive vice president, Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce: “We are focused on overall understanding and having a ton of empathy for those that lost their jobs today. It’s an institution that’s been around for, what, 181 years. It’s a tough loss.”

International nursing student Prapti Operty: “We don't see any options.”

Meg Richtman, Iowa Wesleyan vice president for enrollment, marketing, and communications: “Our pr-pandemic numbers actually were lower than they are today. We were on a trajectory of increase that continued surprisingly through the pandemic. We did take a small dip this fall in our first-year freshman numbers. But our overall enrollment had increased due to a number of transfer students as well as strong retention.”

Robert Miller, chairman, Wesleyan Board of Trustees: “Throughout the year, the board has studied the financials and the projections and felt hopeful that there would be some relief that would come our way, maybe even a big philanthropic gift or something.”

Pearla Teko-Folly, Minnesota high school senior who had committed to play basketball next year at Iowa Wesleyan: "Due to the unfortunate closing of Iowa Wesleyan University next year, I am no longer committed and my recruitment is now 100 percent open.“

Tyler Ball, a junior and return specialist for Iowa Wesleyan’s football team: “With Iowa Wesleyan University closing down, my recruitment is 100 percent open.”

Wendy Beckemeyer, Cornell College vice president for enrollment management, said the Mount Vernon college would honor financial aid awards for students who had planned to enroll at Iowa Wesleyan next year: “It’s unfortunate to hear the news of Iowa Wesleyan closing. Iowa is our home, and we are committed to helping Iowa students stay in our state and welcoming students from other states and countries as this closure takes place. We look forward to meeting with students and helping to create a smooth transition to our campus.”

Vanessa Miller of The Gazette and Kalen McCain of the Southeast Iowa Union contributed to this report.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com