I work as an adjunct professor at McKendree College. This is one of the finest small colleges in the United States, and it is located in Lebanon, Illinois. It was established in 1828 by pioneer Methodists, and it is the oldest college in the state of Illinois. Further, it is the oldest in the nation with continuous ties to the United Methodist Church. For the fifth consecutive year, McKendree has been recognized as one of America's 100 best college buys, reflecting the college's affordable tuition and high standards of excellence.
As Illinois' oldest college, McKendree has several buildings of historical significance. The buildings are a blend of the traditional, such as Old Main and Bothwell Chapel, and state-of-the-art facilities (like the new fitness center and the new Marion K. Piper Academic Center, housing classrooms, faculty offices, the admissions center and the computer lab).
The athletic program at this institution is extremely competetive for a facility of its size, with programs in football, basketball, and track and field ranked in the top 5 of the nation for colleges of its size.
The college sits in a residential area of the town reminiscent of bygone days... taking the visitor back in time to the mid 1800's. Visitors can walk the campus to see the living history, or tours of the campus can be arranged by appointment. Every time that I go to my classes, I feel an excitement that can only come from knowing that I am a part of the finest in small colleges in this country. No trip to Lebanon would be complete without a visit to this historic campus.