Walsh University

The Brothers of Christian Instruction first became involved with Walsh University, then Walsh College, in 1958 when Br. Robert Francoeur found the alfalfa farmer's field at the corner of North Market and Easton. At that point, the Brothers formed a vision. A vision to turn fifty acres of alfalfa into a college campus. This vision lay on a foundation of faith, courage and selfless hard work. The founding Brothers were: Br. Thomas Farrell (President), Br. Dacian Barrette (Business Manager), Br. Henry Vanesse, Br. Edmond Drouin (librarian), Br. Paul E. Masse, Br. Robert Francoeur (academic dean), and Br. Alexis Guilbault. The Brothers of Christian Instruction have continued to serve in multiple capacities at Walsh University- from Campus Ministry, to professor, to support staff.

From the guide to the Papers of the Walsh Brothers of Christian Instruction, 1958-2014, (Walsh University Library)

The Genesius Players formed in the fall of 1977 with the help of Dr. David Baxter, to bring dramatic experiences to the Walsh University community. Their first official production under the name Genesius was When You Comin' Back Red Ryder? and it was held April 20-22, 1978 in the Science Auditorium. Before being called the Genesius Players, the name Blue Carpet Players was used from 1972-1978. The Players are named after St. Genesius, the patron saint of actors and actor himself, who was beheaded when he would not worship pagan gods in the third century A.D.

From the guide to the Genesius Players Programs, 1970-2010, (Walsh University Library)

When Walsh College opened in November, 1960, the school sought to have events and programs, academic, cultural, and fun, for the students to participate in. Over the years here have been lectures, comedians, musicals, symposiums, musical groups, art exhibits, and more to cultivate the minds of Walsh students.

From the guide to the Miscellaneous Academic and Cultural Programs at Walsh University, 1967-2014, (Walsh University Library)

Walsh University Office of Facilities has been a part of Walsh since its opening in 1960. They were previously known as the Maintenance Department, until their official name change to Office of Facilities and Grounds.

From the guide to the Office of Facilities and Grounds Papers, 1960-2010, (Walsh University Library)

Walsh University's counseling bachelors and masters programs (including B.A./M.A. 6 year program), is committed to developing conscientious, professionally skilled counselors who are responsive to the needs and individual differences of all people. Our students are led by seasoned educators and active practitioners, offering students focused clinical education and experiential training with a case-oriented learning approach. Masters degrees are available in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. In addition, our core curriculum is designed such that students have the ability to complete counseling masters degree requirements for both tracks with relative ease. Both tracks have a foundation curriculum in theory, human behavioral research, and practical skills training.

From the guide to the Papers of the Department of Counseling and Human Development, Division of Social and Behavioral Science, 1984-2006, (Walsh University Library)

Syllabi are often collected for accreditation studies and visits. By collecting these syllabi every few years, rather than every semester, researchers are able to get a snapshot of what the curriculum at Walsh University was like at any given time.

From the guide to the Course Syllabi of all Academic Divisions and Departments, 1967-2003, (Walsh University Library)

Strategic planning is the formal consideration of an organization's future course. All strategic planning deals with at least one of three key questions: What do we do? For whom do we do it? How do we excel?

Walsh University has undergone several strategic plans since the school's initial inception. This collection contains documents relating to the more recent modifications and editions of the university's strategic plans.

From the guide to the Office of the President, Strategic Planning, 1992-2007, (Walsh University Library)

Walsh University developed their Education program early on in the 1960s as a program for future and current teachers who wanted to continue their education. Walsh University considers their program to be unique because of the:

- Three-Tiered Approach. We built our program around three important principles: Judeo-Christian ideals, service learning, and respect for diversity.

- National Accreditation. Walsh's Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE). Each licensure program also is nationally accredited by its Specialized Professional Association (SPA), which creates teaching standards for specific content areas and grade levels.

- More Classroom Experience. Structured field and technology experiences, beginning with the first education course, get our students in the classroom faster for experiential learning.

- Student Teaching. Our seniors stay in the same school system for both their pre-clinical and clinical experiences.

- Responsible Best Practices. Students are exposed to a variety of teaching models, curriculum designs and diverse communities. This gives them a "toolbox" of best practice strategies they can draw from as a professional and allows them find solutions that are best suited for a particular setting and/or student.

- Preparation for the Future. To provide our students with opportunities for service learning and field experience, we partner with community schools and programs. All of these experiences help build the knowledge and skills that students need as professionals in today's educational workforce. It also prepares them for Ohio's Resident Educator license exam.

From the guide to the Division of Education, 1977-2002, (Walsh University Library)

The Division of Nursing at Walsh University has a long history. In 1981 plans to work alongside the Timken Mercy Medical Center came to fruition and now the nursing staff at Mercy are instrumental in teaching Walsh's students. Classes officially began for nursing degrees in 1983 and have been a strong program for Walsh since.

Currently, there are three programs student can choose from: BSN Pre-Licensure Program- a four-year program for those who want to earn a degree and become licensed registered nurses. BSN for the RN- a program for registered nurses who have an associate degree, or another type of diploma, who want to earn a bachelor's degree. Built upon the educational foundation and work/life experiences of a nurse, it's a flexible option designed for adult students that can be completed on a part- or full-time basis. As well as Accelerated BSN- "second degree" program open to individuals who already have a bachelor's degree (of any kind) who wish to pursue a career in nursing.

2009 marked the third year in a row that Walsh University scored the highest pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) of any traditional BSN program in the state of Ohio at 98.44%.

The Walsh University Division of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

From the guide to the Papers of the Division of Nursing, 1967-2009, 1980-2009, (Walsh University Library)

Formerly called the Department of Athletics, the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics has long been a part of Walsh University. Athletics currently boasts teams for: Football, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Volleyball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Baseball, Men's and Women's Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, Men's and Women's Track and Field, and Men's and Women's Tennis.

Walsh Athletics had been associated with NAIA for over 40 years, but beginning on July 12, 2010 Walsh announced their acceptance into NCAA membership which will be completed in the 2013-2014 school year. Walsh will remain a member of the American Mideast Conference. The Cavaliers joined the Mid-Ohio Conference in 1975-76.

The Office of Intercollegiate Athletics is run by Dean Dale Howard. Since his arrival in 1989, Howard continues to be dedicated to the development and success of the Walsh University Athletic program and student-athlete achievements both in the classroom and on the field. During his tenure, Howard was the driving force behind the development of the athletic fields and courts on Walsh's north property, Walsh's brand new basketball arena, and is leading Walsh as they prepare to enter the NCAA at the division two level.

From the guide to the Papers of the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics, 1972-2011, (Walsh University Library)

Campus Ministry addresses the personal, spiritual, and religious needs of students, faculty, staff, and alumni by offering a variety of services including: Student-led and professionally-organized retreats, outside organization retreats, witnesses and themed talks, Energizers and team builders, Bible studies, Various prayer opportunities, Social gatherings, and Community outreach initiatives .

Housed in the department of Student Affairs, Campus Ministry is staffed by the Director of Campus Ministry, Campus Minister/Coordinator of the Peacemaker Scholarship program and Campus Minister/Coordinator of Student Outreach.

Guided by the vision of the Brothers of Christian Instruction and the mission and goals of Walsh University, Campus Ministry provides programs geared toward faith formation, spiritual practices, community service, community building, and leadership development. Campus Ministry works with the Chaplain's office to coordinate liturgical services and provide pastoral care to other departments of the University and area Church leaders.

From the guide to the Papers of the Office of Campus Ministry, Office of Student Affairs, 1981-2011, (Walsh University Library)

The Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy began for Walsh University in 1996. Soon, a Masters degree followed in 1999, and most recently, a doctorate in 2006. The fully accredited program offers small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on clinical experience opportunities throughout the entire U.S., and an outstanding faculty dedicated to preparing student practitioners to be successful in their field.

The Walsh University Physical Therapy curriculum, an intensive three-year (8-semester) program, including summers, leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Coursework builds upon a foundation of basic sciences and problem-solving skills. Students gain knowledge and develop skills in teaching and scientific inquiry as well as physical therapy patient diagnosis and intervention. Students must perform original research and present their work prior to graduation. Students take a comprehensive examination at the end of the third year and must pass that examination to graduate. Upon successful completion of the academic and clinical components of the curriculum, graduates meet the educational requirements to take the licensure examination required in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and Guam to practice as a physical therapist.

From the guide to the Papers of the Division of Physical Therapy, 1995-2006, (Walsh University Library)

Founded in 1895, the North Central Association (NCA) accredits over 8,500 public and private schools in 19 states, the Navajo Nation, and the Department of Defense Schools. NCA's Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (CASI) is an accreditation division of AdvancED.

Walsh started collecting documents for accreditation starting in 1961, one year after Walsh College was founded. Accreditation visits take place every ten years, with annual reports being submitted during the in-between time.

From the guide to the North Central Association Accreditation Papers, 1961-2000, (Walsh University Library)

The search for a new president is one of the most significant instances of shared governance in the life of a college or university, but it is also one of the most a challenging. The board of trustees, working with the faculty, creates the search committee structure and defines the charge of the committee. One of the first steps is to engage in a comprehensive search. Casting the net broadly includes soliciting nominations from faculty, administrators, and alumni; running advertisements in national journals; and, if an executive recruiting firm is engaged, using the search consultant to identify candidates for review.

Walsh has formed an official Presidential Search Committee several times, starting with the 1992 presidential search that ended with the hiring of Fr. Richard Mucowski.

From the guide to the Presidential Search Committee Papers, 1991-1997, (Walsh University Library)