West Central Reporter

MacMurray College, in Jacksonville, Ill., will close at the end of the May 2020 spring semester after 146 years providing liberal arts education and preparing students for the future. 

Founded in 1846 by the Illinois Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church as the Illinois Conference Female Academy, MacMurray focused on teachers, benevolent workers and missionary workers.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic, related economic disruptions and coronavirus spread were MacMurray Board considerations, other issues also entered into the decision, the board said in a notice on the college's website. Declining enrollments, increasing costs and a small endowment were also factors that led to this tough decision.

"Our students remain our top priority," said Dr. Beverly Rodgers, President of the College. "Faculty and staff have gone the extra mile in transferring all our classes to online and remote learning formats — practically overnight."

She said that MacMurray has signed transfer agreements for its current students with seven area colleges.

"We will assist all students in their transfer needs, helping them ensure they are able to complete their degrees. We will also support our faculty and staff in their transitions to other positions."

The college has created agreements with more than two dozen colleges and universities interested in serving MacMurray’s students in the 2020-2021 academic year. Those include Blackburn College, Eureka College, Greenville University and others. Some schools are waiving requirements, such as a 30-credit hour minimum for incoming seniors.

The college is also working to offer health benefits for MacMurray staff and faculty for as long as possible, potentially after May 2020, although that is not absolutely certain at this time.