How it All Began

God is always surprising our world by starting large things in small places. Houghton University is one of those small places where, for more than 130 years, God has been doing very large things.

Discover Houghton’s History >

1883

Located in Houghton (Allegany County), this private, Christian, liberal arts college began in 1883 as a seminary (high school) under the Wesleyan Methodist Connection. Coeducational from its founding, Houghton operated as a secondary school for its first 15 years.

1899

A few college classes were offered.

1901

The college department’s first diploma was awarded.

1908

Houghton acquired its first academically-trained president, James S. Luckey, who served until his death in 1937.

1923

Houghton University received its provisional charter from New York State and awarded its first 19 baccalaureate degrees two years later. A permanent charter was granted in 1927, and accreditation by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges came in 1935.

1972

Stephen W. Paine succeeded Luckey and served as president until 1972. Under Paine’s leadership the college expanded from about 300 students to 1,200, necessitating the addition of new buildings, and the percentage of faculty holding earned doctorates tripled.

1976

College President Daniel R. Chamberlain oversaw the erecting of several other major campus buildings and an extensive adult degree-completion program. Houghton University continues its historical connection with the Wesleyan Church.

2006

The College named Dr. Shirley Mullen as the fifth president of Houghton University.

2021

Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. becomes Houghton University’s sixth president.