Willamette University Publications collection

In 1834, Jason Lee and fellow missionaries came to the Oregon territory to establish a Methodist mission for Kalapuya Indians living in the Willamette Valley. The primary purpose was to "educate and civilize" the Kalapuya children. The missionaries additionally aimed to provide health care, nourishment, and lodging for those children whose families and communities had been devastated by diseases introduced by EuroAmericans.

In the early 1840s, the mission was failing, thus the educational focus for the school turned to white settlers. On February 1, 1842, Lee, fellow missionaries, and members of the growing Salem community decided to establish an institution of learning called the "Oregon Institute." The Institute's constitution was adopted in March 1842, and the first day of class was held on August 13, 1844. The Institute began as a boarding school to educate young students. Chloe Clark Willson, an early member of the missionary group was the first teacher.

In 1853, focus changed to an older set of students and the name was officially changed to Willamette University. Emily York was the first graduate of the University in 1859. By that time, enrollment had reached 320 students and a new building was needed to house a growing student population. Thus began the construction of Waller hall, made possible by the support of Reverend Alvan Waller. In addition to the College of Liberal Arts, Willamette University established a medical school in 1867, the College of Law in 1883, the Kimball School of Theology in 1906, the Atkinson Graduate School of Management in 1974, and the Graduate School of Education in 1995. The Medical School merged with the University of Oregon in 1913, the Kimball School closed in 1930, and the Graduate School of Education closed in 2014.

Willamette continues as a nationally renowned, private liberal arts university focused on pursuing academic excellence; fostering diversity; and preparing global-minded students.