Ottawa University (OU) is a 4 year college located in Ottawa, Kansas. It was founded in 1865 and affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. OU has almost 1,000 students on its main campus with close to 3,000 in total with the additional education facilities. From 1837 to 1855, Reverend Jotham and Elanor Meeker worked to improving the lives of the Ottawa Native Americans. Their work with the tribe inspired "a hunger for education and Christianity." Another missionary, John Tecumseh (Tauy) Jones continued the Meekers' commitment to the tribe after the Meeker's death. Jones worked and served as an interpreter and Baptist minister. Through his efforts, he was able to set up a meeting between the Baptists and the Ottawa Indians. The meeting resulting in the Ottawa Tribe donated 20,000 acres (81 km) for "a university to ensure the education of their children." The Baptists agreed to build and also to operate the school and promised "free education to the Ottawa Indians." As of 2008, Ottawa University offers tuition-free undergraduate education to any enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe. Ottawa University was officially established in 1865.