Moravian University

This article is about the American university. For universities in Moravia, see List of universities in the Czech Republic.
Moravian University
Former names
Men's college:
Nazareth Hall (1759-1929)
Moravian College and Theological Seminary (1807–1954)
Women's college:
Bethlehem Female Seminary (Founded 1742)
Moravian Female Seminary (1863–1913)
Moravian Seminary and College for Women (1913–1954)
Merged college:
Moravian College (1954–2021)
MottoVia Lucis (The Way of Light)
TypePrivate university
Established1742; 282 years ago (1742)
Girls School
1807; 217 years ago (1807)
College
1863; 161 years ago (1863)
Accredited institution
Religious affiliation
Moravian Church
Endowment$146 million(2021)[1]
PresidentBryon Grigsby[2]
Administrative staff
123[3]
Undergraduates2,075[3]
Postgraduates302[3]
Location
Bethlehem
,
Pennsylvania
,
U.S.
CampusSuburban and Urban, 100 acres (40 ha)
ColorsBlue and Grey    
NicknameGreyhounds
Websitewww.moravian.edu
A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem

Cultural site • Criteria III and IV • Designated in 2024 • Europe and North American region

Moravian University is a private university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The institution traces its founding to 1742 by Moravians, descendants of followers of the Bohemian Reformation under John Amos Comenius.

Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024. This designation includes two Moravian University buildings: the Second Single Brethren's House and the Widows' House, both situated on the campus' north side along Church Street.

Moravian University's rich academic traditions continue today in these historic spaces. The Second Single Brethren’s House now serves as a hub for musical education and celebration, while the Widow's House provides residential facilities for the school’s faculty and staff.

Founded as a girls school in 1742, the College itself was founded as the Moravian College and Theological Seminary in 1807 and was accredited in 1863. In 2021, the College was elevated to a University. Moravian University uses the foundation of the Girls school as their foundation date which would make them the sixth-oldest college in the United States.[4]

  1. ^ Moravian College: FINANCIAL REPORT 2017-2018
  2. ^ "Office of the President". Moravian University. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Moravian University: Quick Facts
  4. ^ Moravian College History Archived 2011-06-14 at the Wayback Machine