Iowa Wesleyan College (IW) was a private liberal arts college located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Founded in 1842, it was the first co-educational institution of higher learning west of the Mississippi River. The college operated under the affiliation of the United Methodist Church throughout its history. The institution offered undergraduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, nursing, and liberal arts. Its historic campus, spanning 60 acres, featured notable buildings such as Old Main, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout its history, Iowa Wesleyan played a significant role in educational innovation. It established one of the first college-level teacher training programs in the United States and pioneered experiential learning through its field experience program initiated in 1967. In March 2023, Iowa Wesleyan College announced its closure after 181 years of operation, citing financial challenges and declining enrollment. The final commencement ceremony was held in May 2023. During its operation, the college maintained an average enrollment of approximately 500 students and upheld its motto “Learning in Community: An Academic Vision.” The college’s athletic teams, known as the Tigers, competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as members of the Continental Athletic Conference.