Widener University, founded in 1821, has a rich history that began as a small Quaker school in Wilmington, Delaware. It evolved through several iterations, including a military academy and a Pennsylvania military college, before becoming Widener College in 1972 and eventually Widener University in 1979. Located in Chester, Pennsylvania, Widener has grown into a comprehensive private institution with a commitment to civic engagement and leadership, maintaining additional campuses in Harrisburg and Wilmington.
Widener University stands out for its emphasis on hands-on learning and community involvement, fostering a culture where students are encouraged to apply their education in real-world settings. The university is recognized for its leadership development programs, and the Oskin Leadership Institute exemplifies this focus by providing students with unique opportunities to cultivate their leadership skills. Widener also prides itself on its student-faculty collaboration, offering students personalized attention and mentoring, which enhances their academic and professional growth.
Academically, Widener University is well-regarded, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors and a range of graduate programs. The School of Nursing is particularly noteworthy, consistently ranked among the top in the nation, with a strong emphasis on clinical practice and community health. The School of Law, with a campus in Harrisburg, is also highly respected, especially for its environmental law program. Additionally, the engineering and business programs at Widener are lauded for their innovative curricula and strong industry partnerships, providing students with valuable experiential learning opportunities.
Despite its strengths, Widener University faces challenges, particularly related to its location in Chester, Pennsylvania, which has historically struggled with socioeconomic issues. This can affect perceptions of safety and detract from the campus experience. Additionally, while the university has made strides in expanding its academic offerings, some students feel that certain facilities could benefit from modernization. These areas for improvement are acknowledged by the administration, which is actively working on strategic plans to enhance the campus environment and resources for students.
