news-record.com

Skip to the site menu
Skip to search

NEWS

Advertisement | Advertise with Us

John Wesley College changes name to Laurel University

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

(Updated 4:33 pm)

Staff Reports

John Wesley College in High Point announced today that it has changed its name to Laurel University.

“With the new name choice, the school re-affirms its strong commitment to our interdenominational Christian heritage and mission," President Larry McCullough stated in a news release. "We want a name that speaks of a future, a new horizon, that communicates energy and progress with simplicity.”

More information is online at www.laureluniversity.edu.

What do you think?

4 comment(s)

Read other visitors' comments and post your own.

Comments

View & Submit Comments

Confirmed myNR members may comment on this article. Memberships are free, and it only takes a few minutes to create your profile. Click "Submit Comment" to sign in or register for a new account. New members must validate their email addresses in order to comment.

House Rules

User comments can add a valuable and constructive dimension to community dialogue. We encourage respectful debate. But commenting is a privilege that will be revoked for violations of our Terms of Use. In addition, please follow these "House Rules" when commenting on news articles, letters or editorials.

Be relevant. Discuss the story or letter opened for comments. Stay on topic.
Be respectful. It’s fine to disagree but not to be disagreeable. Avoid abusive or offensive language. Threats, hate speech and libelous statements will be deleted. Name-calling, threats and insults are not welcome.
Be substantive. Facts add weight and credibility to your views.
Be honest. Don't make up facts or pretend to be someone else.
Be discreet. Don't publish telephone numbers, addresses or other personal information about yourself or others.
Respect copyrights. Don't publish material that belongs to someone else.
Inappropriate comments will be deleted. Users who repeatedly violate these rules will be banned from commenting on this website.
Commenters are solely responsible for what they post and can be held responsible for violations of the law. Please report comments that violate these rules by clicking on the "Report Abuse" link.

Inappropriate content? Please report abuse.

Submit Comment

jaxrbeter

January 12, 2011 - 5:40 pm EST

With a very long history of religious and social meaning the Wesley's founded much of the Methodist church we know of today, with music and much of it's content still intact. why change the name of a college, just to show you are reaching to the future, someone once said you cannot forget the past for fear you might repeat it, it seems a name like Wesley, would be an inspiring name to show what some have done, and how they shaped the world. most unfortunate!

Reply to this comment

Paul Daniels

January 12, 2011 - 9:13 pm EST

Jax:

I agree! John Wesley was a great man (along with his brother, Charles). It is a shame that a Methodist school feels the need to jetison the name of a giant among men simply for the sake of progress.

Best regards,
Paul Daniels

Reply to this comment

Multihat

January 12, 2011 - 10:22 pm EST

Laurel University has never been a "Methodist" school in the sense that High Point University or Duke University were begun by what is now the United Methodist Church. It has always had an independent board of trustees. Although the Wesley brothers' legacy is clearly a part of the United Methodist Church's history, many other groups trace their roots to them as well. Collectively, these groups sometimes are called the "Wesleyan/Armenian tradition." LU's history is more closely aligned with some of these other groups.

Reply to this comment

publicrelationsgal

January 13, 2011 - 12:27 pm EST

John Wesley College has had five name changes since its beginning in 1903. Per its by-laws, it always has been and continues to be an interdenominational school, although as seen by comments above, its name just did not communicated this well. In this change, the school re-affirms its mission, to train Christian leaders for ministry, society and the marketplace. In addition to its on-campus programs, the school offers programs in online and blended formats. The school now has an international online presence and multiple master's degree programs. The new name, Laurel University, and its logo brings interesting concepts to mind. The laurel bush is a southern plant - tradition and being "planted" in God's word. Laurel leaves were the New Testament "crown" for running the race well. "University" better indicates our degree offerings and is better understood around the world as indicating a higher ed institution. The logo is reminiscent of the Trinity, of a dove, of a lamp, of the laurel crown, of "yod" - the hand of God. It's a great time to come on board and support the great things God is doing at Laurel University!