NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — Illinois Wesleyan University has reacted to the recent closure of Iowa Wesleyan University.

According to a statement from Illinois Wesleyan associate vice president for enrollment management Kasey Evans, the university is saddened by the news and is ready to work on a transfer plan with former Iowa Wesleyan students.

The full statement is available below:

The Illinois Wesleyan University community was saddened to learn of Iowa Wesleyan University’s closure and we recognize the stress this creates for students as they search for a new academic home.

We at Illinois Wesleyan are committed to working with any interested students to develop an individual transfer and graduation plan and we will waive the academic residency requirement for rising seniors from Iowa Wesleyan (a minimum of two years and 16 courses in residence). Illinois Wesleyan and Iowa Wesleyan have a strong alignment between programs of study as well as rich professional, cultural, academic and social opportunities.

While many universities may share the name “Wesleyan,” Illinois Wesleyan is a separate entity and not affiliated with any other “Wesleyan” university. The name comes from Charles Wesley who started the Methodist church, which was originally part of our founding history.  

Illinois Wesleyan associate vice president for enrollment management Kasey Evans