Drew University

Drew University is a private university located in Madison, in the U.S. state of New Jersey.

Originally established as the Drew Theological Seminary in 1867, the university later expanded to include an undergraduate liberal arts college in 1928 and commenced a program of graduate studies in 1955. Nicknamed the "University in the Forest" because of the serenity of its wooded 186 acres (753,000 m²) relative to the school's suburban surroundings, Drew University maintains a combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment of approximately 2,500 students, with the majority living on-campus.

While Drew is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, it makes no religious demands of its students. Many of the Theological School's students and faculty are United Methodist, and the General Commission on Archives and History of the United Methodist Church is housed on campus.

History


In 1867, Daniel Drew (1797–1879), a financier and railroad tycoon, endowed his antebellum estate in Madison for the purpose of establishing the Drew Theological Seminary. John McClintock was the first president of the Seminary. Dr. James Strong first published his seminal work, Strong's Concordance, in 1890, during his tenure as Professor of exegetical theology at Drew Theological Seminary. To this day, the Theological Seminary continues to graduate candidates for service in the ministry. However, the institution grew to include a liberal arts college and graduate school.

The College of Liberal Arts admitted its first class of 12 students in 1928, after the trustees of the Drew Theological Seminary voted to accept a gift of $1.5 million from brothers Arthur and Leonard Baldwin to build and endow such an institution, and to change the name of the institution to Drew University. In 1955, a Graduate School became the third of the university's degree-granting entities.

From its beginnings, the College of Liberal Arts has honored its founders' wish that it be ecumenical in its choice of faculty and students. The Baldwins also asked that the new institution be named Brothers College in recognition of their extraordinary relationship. The name was later changed to the College of Liberal Arts, but its major academic building still bears its original name.

In its early years, Drew provided educational opportunities for women, through enrollment in religious classes. However, for a brief time, Drew became an all-male institution, during the 1930s until 1942. During the Second World War, the draft threatened to take too many of Drew's students and the college of liberal arts responded by enrolling both women and US Navy recruits, through a V-12 Navy College Training Program. Drew was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that took part in the program which offered students a path to a Navy commission. At this time, Drew became coeducational.

During the 1970s, the College also established, with generous assistance from the Mellon Foundation, a now widely-imitated freshman seminar program. It allows first-year students to participate, with faculty who also serve as their academic advisers, in intensive study of a topic of hopefully mutual interest. Interdisciplinary study became a focus of the curriculum as well, with the creation of majors in behavioral studies, neuroscience and Russian Studies, and minors in such fields as American studies, arts administration and museology, business management, dance, public health and writing.

In 1984, psychology professors Philip Jensen and Richard Detweiler led an effort to provide a personal computer and application software to all incoming freshman, a program referred to as the "Computer Initiative". Drew was the first liberal arts college to have such a requirement. The Computer Initiative differentiates Drew from other liberal arts colleges, and continues to this day. As a result, Drew has considerably fewer public computing labs than comparable schools its size, utilizing the centrally-managed student laptops for instructional and general-purpose computing use.

Thomas Kean, former Governor of New Jersey (1982–1990) and Co-Chairman of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, was Drew's president for 15 years and stepped down in June 2005. During his tenure as president, Kean succeeded in adding new faculty in African, Asian, Russian, and Middle Eastern Studies, significantly increased opportunities for students to study abroad, increased applications from prospective students, nearly tripled the school's endowment, and committed more than $60 million to construction of new buildings and renovation of older buildings—principally student residence halls.

Robert Weisbuch, former president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, was named Drew's eleventh president in July 2005 and formally inaugurated on April 28, 2006. Weisbuch resigned in June 2012. Dr. Vivian Bull, a former economics professor at Drew, and the president of Linfield College for 13 years, is serving as an interim president until a permanent replacement is selected.

For the 2012-2013 year, Drew University's undergraduate costs are $54,200 (excluding books, personal expenditures, and health insurance), making Drew the most expensive school in the state of New Jersey. Drew University offers both academic scholarships and need-based financial aid. Drew University is home to the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, and the archives of the United Methodist Church.

Undergraduate
Drew University offers programs leading to the traditional undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) through its College of Liberal Arts. Traditional core liberal arts courses are required of Drew students within a general education curriculum that allows them to shape an individual academic program. Drew's programs emphasize depth, independent research, experiential learning and collaborative teaming. A declared minor is required in the general education program, and students choose from structured disciplinary and interdisciplinary offerings, or may design a minor course of study, subject to faculty approval.

The College of Liberal Arts provides major concentrations in 30 academic areas, including: anthropology, art, art history, biology, biological anthropology, biochemistry and molecular biology, business, chemistry, Chinese, classics, comparative religion, computer science, economics, environmental studies & sustainability, English, French, German, history, mathematics, music, neurosciences, Pan-African studies, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, sociology, Spanish, theater arts, and women's & gender studies.

Minor concentrations are available in 20 additional areas, including: american studies, archeology, arts administration & museology, Asian studies, business, society & culture, dance, european studies, Holocaust studies, humanities, Italian, Jewish studies, Latin American studies, linguistic studies, Middle East studies, public health, Russian, western heritage, women's & gender studies, and writing.

Below is a list of key programs available to undergraduate students
 * Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE): selected students engage in research under the supervision of retired industrial scientists.
 * New York Semester on Contemporary Art: an 8-credit program where students meet weekly to discuss timely issues, and then visit New York City art museums two days a week.
 * Drew Summer Science Institute: an on-campus summer program that pairs approximately 15 Drew students with faculty mentors for an intensive experience working full time on a research project.
 * Semester on Wall Street: an 8-credit program where 20 students attend classes twice a week in New York City at St. John's University, located in the Financial District. Students have guest lecturers from the various banks, organizations, and financial agencies.
 * Semester on The United Nations: an 8-credit program where 20 students attend classes twice a week in New York City in the Church Center, directly across from UN Headquarters. Students have guest lecturers from the UN Secretariat and NGOs, and attend meetings of the UN General Assembly.
 * London Semester: a 16-credit program where students explore political and social change in Great Britain.

Graduate
Graduate education has taken place at Drew University since 1912. Initially, graduate education was limited to theology, and was conducted through the Theological School. In 1955, the Graduate School was established to take responsibility for the academic study (i.e., non-ministerial) of religion at the graduate level, and allow for the development of new graduate programs. In 1999, to honor the generous gift made by Barbara and Finn Caspersen, the school was renamed the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies.

In 2006, the Graduate Division of Religion (GDR), which includes programs in biblical studies and early Christianity, historical studies, religion & society, and theological & philosophical studies, was moved from the Graduate School to the Theological School. The transition was made to reflect current trends in the academic study of religion. In 2006, the school created a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program, and in 2009, a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Poetry program was established by Anne Marie Macari.

The Graduate School currently offers the following 9 degrees:
 * Master of Arts in Teaching: 1-year program that trains individuals to be teachers, and grants provisional teacher certification in biology, chemistry, English, French, Italian, mathematics, physics, Spanish, social studies, or theater arts.
 * Master of Fine Arts in Poetry: 2-year low-residency program for poets and poet translators. Students are trained to develop their talent, gain knowledge of poetics, and work side-by-side with well-known poets.
 * Master of Letters: an interdisciplinary study of the humanities involving 9 courses, and a masters thesis or 11 courses without a thesis. Master of Letters (M.Litt.) candidates may concentrate in specific area of study if they choose.
 * Doctor of Letters: an interdisciplinary study of the humanities involving 12 courses, and a doctoral dissertation (with an oral defense). Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) candidates must concentrate in one of seven areas -- literary studies, global studies, studies in spirituality, writing, fine arts & media studies, Irish/Irish-American studies, or teaching in the two-year college.
 * Certificate in Medical Humanities: a 5-course study of medical humanities. Applicants to the C.M.H. program are generally required to have a masters and doctoral degree in a medical-related field.  The program includes the study of biomedical ethics, the taking of a medical narrative, and the performance of a clinical practicum at Raritan Bay Medical Center.
 * Masters of Medical Humanities: a 10-course study of the medical humanities. In addition to C.M.H. requirements, the M.M.H. program includes a masters thesis.
 * Doctor of Medical Humanities: a 10-course study of the medical humanities. In addition to C.M.H. requirements, the D.M.H. program includes a doctoral dissertation (with an oral defense).
 * Master of Arts: an interdisciplinary graduate program in modern intellectual and cultural history, involving 9 courses, and a master thesis.
 * Doctor of Philosophy: an interdisciplinary graduate program in modern intellectual and cultural history, involving 12 courses, a student portfolio, proficiency in a modern foreign language, and a doctoral dissertation (with an oral defense).

Theological
Drew Theological School admitted its first students in 1867. Until the 1950s, the school was known as the Drew Theological Seminary, and most students sought a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) degree, which was considered the standard for becoming a minister in an established church. Occasionally, the seminary did issue other degrees, such a Master of Arts or a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) to students engaged in the graduate study of religion. Starting in 1920 women were admitted as students, and most notably Olive Winchester was issued a Doctor of Theology in 1925, and became the first female ordained minister in Great Britain.

The school is often noted for its strong ties to Korean Methodism. The Rev. Henry Appenzeller, a graduate of the Theological School, became the first Christian missionary to Korea. He worked to establish the Korean Methodist Church, schools and universities, and he translated the Bible into Korean. As a result of his work and his connection to Drew, the Theological School's matriculating class includes many students from South Korea.

One of the 13 official seminaries of the United Methodist Church, the Theological School prepares those pursuing ministry in the United Methodist Church. The student body also includes students preparing for ministry in other Christian denominations, and those from other faith communities.

Six different degrees are currently offered:


 * Master of Arts: a program designed for the academic study (i.e., non-ministerial) of religion at the graduate level. The Master of Arts (M.A.) requires 14 courses and a master's thesis, or 16 courses without a thesis.
 * Master of Arts in Ministry: a program for individuals wishing to be ordained as deacons, or who are seeking a non-traditional ministry. The Master of Arts in Ministry (M.A.M.) is a 2-year program requiring 15 courses.
 * Master of Divinity: the most widely recognized and accepted degree for religious professionals. The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a 3-year program requiring 28 courses.
 * Master of Sacred Theology: a 1-year, 6-course, program for current ministers who wish to deepen their scholarly understanding of an area.
 * Doctor of Ministry: an advanced degree for current ministers involving 6 courses, and a doctoral thesis.
 * Doctor of Philosophy: a degree designed for academic research in religion. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) requires 12 courses, proficiency in a modern foreign language, comprehensive exams, and a doctoral dissertation (with an oral defense).

Campus life
Drew University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. Key activities are listed below.

A cappella
Drew has four a cappella groups: 36 Madison Avenue (all male), All of the Above (co-ed), On a Different Note (all female), and Shadow Of His Wings (Christian co-ed). Concerts are held regularly throughout the year, with major concerts occurring at the beginning and end of each semester.

Theater
The Princeton Review ranks Drew as having the number one theatre program in the United States for any liberal arts college. Drew has two theatres, the Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, home to the New Jersey Shakespeare Theatre Company, and the Thomas Kean Blackbox Theatre.

Drew's theatre program was ranked as the #1 theatre program for any liberal arts college in the United States, and #2 overall.

Theme houses
Although Drew does not have Greek living, Drew offers an alternative living community called "theme houses". The theme houses produce many of the major campus wide events that take place every year, and also hold many theme parties that occur throughout the semester. The six theme houses on campus are


 * WoCo: A Feminist House - a house for those interested in women's and gender issues
 * La Casa - a house for those interested in Latin America related subjects
 * Asia Tree House - a house for those interested in subjects relating to Asia
 * Spirituality House - a multi-faith house for those interested in topics related to spirituality
 * Umoja - a house for those interested in Pan-African studies and topics
 * Earth House - a house for those interested in sustainable living, and environmental subjects

Athletics
Drew's sports teams are known as the Rangers and compete in the NCAA's Division III. The Rangers field teams in 18 varsity sports (10 female, 8 male). Drew is a member of the Landmark Conference for men's and women's basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, and baseball, field hockey, softball. The Rangers compete as an independent in men's and women's fencing, which compete in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association (MACFA), and women's equestrian, which competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Drew offers many club teams including ultimate frisbee and Drew's women's and men's rugby teams, which are part of the collegiate division of the Metropolitan New York Rugby Football Union. Drew has several intramural sports programs.

Media

 * The Acorn: Student-run weekly newspaper that has been operating on-campus since November 1928.
 * WMNJ: Student-run radio station at Drew University.
 * Insanity's Horse: Student-run literary and arts journal.

Points of interest

 * The Florence and Robert Zuck Arboretum is an arboretum located on the southwest part of Drew University. The arboretum is open to the public by appointment. Created in 1980 in honor of faculty members Robert and Florence Zuck, the arborteum contains a mix of native and introduced trees. Its two small ponds serve as student laboratories. They contain turtles, goldfish, catfish, and muskrats, and are also stops for migrating Canadian geese, ducks, and herons.
 * The Drew University Admissions office does not require the SAT or ACT when evaluating potential students (a copy of a graded high school essay may be submitted instead of standardized test scores). SAT Optional Policy at Drew
 * Drew has received numerous rankings by the Princeton Review including those for "Best Theater Colleges" and "Professors Get High Marks".
 * Drew hosts the General Commission on Archives and History of the United Methodist Church, and as such is the repository for the archives of the denomination, housing a number of special collections in its Methodist Library as a result.
 * In addition to the Methodist Archives, Drew's Library also possesses a number of special collections. Of late, its collections of materials related to Willa Cather has received particular scholarly attention.

Location for on-screen shoots
Several motion pictures, TV productions, and music videos have used Drew University as a filming location.

Film

 * So Fine (1981)
 * Deconstructing Harry (1997)
 * The Family Stone (2005)
 * Spinning into Butter (2006)
 * The crew from The Incredible Hulk (2008) took some aerial footage of Brother's College doubling as Culver University, Virginia for use in the movie.

Television

 * The Sopranos episode, "College"
 * The back-to-school episode of The Daily Show in 2001
 * A few MTV commercials have been filmed on Drew's campus
 * The TV show, Friday Night Lights, season 3 episode 8, "New York, New York", was filmed on the campus showing such locations as Asbury Hall and SW Bowne.
 * MTV filmed a commercial for the Zeno Hotspot acne treatment on the school campus and Baldwin Gym in November 2009, featuring the band Boys Like Girls.
 * Two episodes for the SyFy show, School Spirits have been filmed on campus.

Music

 * In April 2008, Alicia Keys filmed her video for "Teenage Love Affair" on Drew's campus