Iowa Wesleyan College is a private four-year liberal arts college of the United Methodist Church located Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Iowa Wesleyan is recognized as a pioneer in higher education in America. Founded in 1842, it ranks as the oldest coeducational college located west of the Mississippi River. Among its innovations include unique concepts of undergraduate lab science, career experience, and service learning. The college occupies a central campus of historic red brick buildings and modern structures, including National Register of Historic Places designates Pioneer Hall and Old Main. The Chapel, erected in 1896, recently received a complete renovation and restoration. Iowa Wesleyan is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to offer academic program leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Music Education degrees. Undergraduate enrollment at the college is approximately 850 full-time students. Dr. Jay K. Simmons took office as the college's 28th president in July 2008.