Historic liberal arts university in Ohio, closed 2020 after acquisition by Franklin University.
Urbana University was founded in 1850 as Urbana College by followers of Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish philosopher and scientist. The institution was the second in Ohio to admit women. Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman), a Swedenborgian missionary, helped inspire the university's founding by encouraging land donation. The university operated as a two-year junior college from 1907 to 1968, then returned to a four-year format. It changed its name to Urbana University in 1975 and maintained informal ties with the Swedenborgian General Convention.
Urbana University offered 28 undergraduate majors and graduate programs including Master's degrees in Nursing (MSN), Education (MEd), Business Administration (MBA), and Criminal Justice Administration (MA), plus a Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Licensure. Until 2014, the School of Adult and Graduate Education provided associate and bachelor's degree completion programs in business management, education, criminal justice, and human services at multiple off-campus locations across Western Ohio.
The 128-acre main campus was located on the southwest side of Urbana in west central Ohio. Historic buildings including Bailey Hall, Oak Hall, and Barclay Hall (all on the National Register of Historic Places) stood alongside modern facilities constructed in the 21st century. Six residence halls emphasized civic responsibility and community engagement. The university recognized numerous student organizations including leadership groups, special interest clubs, and academic societies.
Urbana athletic teams, the Blue Knights, competed in NCAA Division II, primarily in the Mountain East Conference (2013–14 to 2019–20). The university fielded 19 intercollegiate varsity teams across men's and women's sports, including football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and lacrosse, plus club sports in shooting, bowling, and cheerleading.
Urbana University was purchased by Franklin University in 2014 following significant budget shortfalls. In 2017, it became a branch campus under Franklin's accreditation. The physical campus closed in August 2020, citing the coronavirus pandemic and declining enrollment. Academic records were transferred to Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.