Mission Statement:

Manchester College respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

History:

Manchester College traces its origin to the Roanoke Classical Seminary founded by the United Brethren Church in Roanoke, Indiana in 1860.  The seminary became Manchester College when it was moved to North Manchester, Indiana in 1889.  Representatives of the Church of the Brethren purchased the campus in 1895 and deeded it to four State Districts of the Church in 1902.  The number of supporting districts increased until, by 1932, Manchester College served the five-state area of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Rapid growth of the public high school and increasing interest in higher education resulted in a gradual shift of emphasis from an academy and Bible school to a college of liberal arts.  The academy was discontinued in 1923.

Mount Morris College in Mount Morris, Illinois, merged with Manchester College in 1932.  Founded as a Methodist seminary in 1839, Mount Morris had been purchased by representatives of the Church of the Brethren in 1879 and operated under the name of the Rock River Seminary and College Institute until 1844, when the name was changed to Mount Morris College.  The merger of Mount Morris College and Manchester College came about when the Church of the Brethren decided its educational program would be strengthened by pooling its resources in a smaller number of colleges.

The relationship of Manchester College with the Church of the Brethren continues. The College accents this relationship and welcomes students of all faiths to its campus.

Manchester College has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (159 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60601, 312-263-0456) since 1932.  The teacher education program is accredited by the Indiana Professional Standards Board and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education at the baccalaureate level.  The baccalaureate level social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.  Manchester College holds membership in many organizations related to higher education.