John Brown University history

In 1923, a funding campaign began for a heating and lighting plant on the university campus.

Constructed from materials from the Southwestern building, the Helen the First Memorial was dedicated in 1934 to Helen Brown Hodge’s memory.

The student-run newspaper that began in 1937 is still operating today.

JBU began charging tuition in 1939, albeit a very small amount, and John Brown began to realize that financially, the vocational aspect of the school was more costly than anticipated.

The May 1945 commencement ceremonies at JBU were marked by an important groundbreaking.

When John Brown Sr. relinquished control of the university (at least in name, since he remained as chairman of the board) in 1948, he began a period of much-needed consolidation.

The first men's basketball team was recruited and began playing in 1958, kicking off John Brown's athletics programs.

On Tuesday, September 15th, 1959, famous evangelist Billy Graham spoke in the first chapel service of the semester.

The second phase brought the construction of an entirely new wing, and the dorm was rededicated in May of 1961 after all the changes were complete.

In 1962, JBU received full regional accreditation, an achievement which was a major step in JBU's growth into a full-fledged university.

The dorm, built in an L-shape design, originally housed 158 women and was formally opened under the name South Hall in 1964.

In 1965, the cabin began a restoration process through the initiative of Mrs.

During John Brown III’s first semester as president in 1979, the final expansion of Mayfield Hall—the “New” wing—was completed.

The Walton Scholar Program was founded in 1985 by Sam and Helen Walton.

In 2000, JBU’s administration began to plan the Pat and Willard Walker Student Center and Dorm.

The building was completed in 2011 and named the Balzer Technology Building in honor of the school's former president.

The goal of this campaign was to raise $100 million by the beginning of the 2012 school year.