Sterling College (Kansas)
| Type | Independent Presbyterian, Coed |
|---|---|
| Established | 1887 |
| Endowment | $5.6 million[1] |
| President | Dr. Bruce Douglas |
Academic staff | 52[1] |
| Students | 608[1] |
| Location | Sterling, Kansas, USA |
| Newspaper | The Sterling Stir |
| Colors | crimson, navy, and silver gray |
| Affiliations | Associated Colleges of Central Kansas Council for Christian Colleges and Universities |
| Mascot | Warriors |
| Website | http://www.sterling.edu/ |
Sterling College is a small independent Presbyterian liberal arts college located in Sterling, Kansas known for its partnership with Habitat for Humanity and its undergraduate social entrepreneurship program.[2] The school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
History
The college was founded in 1887 by the Synod of Kansas of the United Presbyterian Church of North America as Cooper Memorial College. It changed its name to Sterling in 1920. When the Presbyterian Church (USA) came into existence in 1958, the newly formed Presbyterian Synod of Kansas considered combining Sterling and the College of Emporia. Sterling nearly declared bankruptcy in 1982, but was saved by a campaign that raised $3.8-million. Sterling College launched e.Sterling, its online programs in 2007 in hopes of bringing its message to a larger audience. Students can now complete their bachelor's degree online.
Habitat for Humanity
Sterling College and Habitat for Humanity International formed a partnership in September 2000. Up to 25 Habitat for Humanity Fellows will be named by Sterling College each year and scholarships provided to each Fellow for four years.
Habitat for Humanity Fellows will enroll and complete a "Habitat for Humanity College" course of study developed by Sterling College with assistance from HFHI. The course of study will include completion of the Social Entrepreneurship academic minor at Sterling College as well as servant-leadership development training. Following graduation from Sterling College, Fellows have the opportunity to serve with Habitat in the United States and around the world.
Campus
The 1887 Cooper Hall building is a centerpiece of the campus. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. (NRHP# 74000845).
Organization
The College is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. Sterling abandoned the tenure system in the 1980s, partially in response to financial pressures. Faculty are currently employed under a long-term contract/review system.
Sports, clubs, and traditions
Sterling College sports teams are known as the "Warriors," most often depicted as armed Scottish Highlanders. (Sterling College officially adopted the Scottish heritage as a tribute to its Presbyterian roots in 1984. The College has adopted a tartan and incorporates the playing of bagpipes at significant ceremonies including commencement and convocation.) The College has adopted three official school colors: crimson, navy, and silver gray.
Sterling fields ten teams in the NAIA Division II Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Although results in most sports have been mixed, the women's basketball team has consistently dominated the conference for the past decade, making several appearances at the NAIA National Tournament.
Student organizations
- Honor societies: Alpha Chi, Alpha Psi Omega, Pi Kappa Delta, Chi Beta Sigma
- Religious organizations: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, CSA (Catholic students)
- General organizations: Behavioral Science Club, Habitat for Humanity, Time Trek (History Majors Club), T.E.A.C.H., PEACE, Campus Activity Board, Residence Hall Councils, Class Officers
Noted alumni
- David Hahn, Nebraska politician
- Waldo McBurney, American centenarian (transferred to K-State after two years)
References
- ^ a b c "College Overview - Sterling College". Peterson's. 2007-08-27. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ^ "Small Kansas colleges fighting for survival". Dodge City Daily Globe. 1999-11-08. Retrieved 2007-01-27.