History & Heritage

1902-1947

Northwestern opens on October 2, 1902 as Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School, founded by William Bell Riley, well-known pastor and evangelist. Classes are held in First Baptist Church in Minneapolis and Jackson Hall, First Baptist’s education building.

1948-1966

In a brief four-year tenure, Northwestern’s second president, Rev. Billy Graham, launches KTIS and sees the campus move to Memorial Hall in Loring Park. Despite gaining national prominence under Graham, the college temporarily closes in 1966 for restructuring and relocation.

1967-1999

Guided by the leadership and faith of William B. Berntsen, the college reopens in 1972 on its current St. Paul campus and begins to expand. The college sees a steady addition of programs and buildings under the leadership of Berntsen, Donald Ericksen, and Wesley Willis.

2000-2021

Alan S. Cureton becomes president, the Mel Johnson Media Center is constructed, Riley Hall undergoes major remodeling, graduate programs begin, Billy Graham Community Life Commons opens, and Maranatha Hall receives new renovations and a new name. Educational facilities continue to expand and receive upgrades: Engineering receives a new home at Rosedale Square North; the School of Nursing moves into new lab, classroom, and chapel spaces in Wilson Center; and updates are made to the Ericksen Center, including new golf training bays featuring PGA-grade technology.

2022-Present

Corbin M. Hoornbeek succeeds Cureton as Northwestern’s ninth president in August 2022. UNW’s Engineering program receives Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation, retroactive to 2017. Northwestern joins the Minnesota Private College Council as its 18th member institution. UNW celebrates Nazareth Hall’s 100th year of existence and 50 years of being on the current suburban St. Paul campus (2022).