Wesleyan Church’s oldest college, Houghton College, renames itself Houghton University

Houghton College has changed its name to Houghton University, joining a number of other upstate New York colleges that have made the same move. The change follows a decision earlier in 2022 by the New York State Board of Regents, which revised the definition of “university.”

Houghton, located in Allegany County, is the oldest established higher education institution of the Wesleyan Church.

In a statement, Houghton President Wayne D. Lewis Jr. called the change “an important moment in the history of our institution.” He said Houghton’s focus as a “Christ-centered institution in the Wesleyan tradition that intentionally integrates our Christian faith with academic excellence has never wavered.”

Houghton’s statement, released on Monday, said the change to university status elevates the college’s efforts to improve access, particularly for international students. The school is welcoming strangers in a new way, a commitment to hospitality (Matthew 25:35).

Houghton students, alumni and others will gather virtually on July 19 to celebrate the new university status.

St. John Fisher recently changed its status to a university. Nazareth College and Roberts Wesleyan College are among the other local colleges reported to be considering a change to the university designation.

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