# Laurel University

> former private Christian college in North Carolina, United States

**Wikidata**: [Q6500038](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6500038)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/laurel-university

## Summary
Laurel University was a private Christian college in High Point, North Carolina, United States. Formerly known as John Wesley University and John Wesley College, it operated as a higher education institution with a focus on faith-related programs. The university is now closed.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1903 and 1932 (dates vary by source).
- Located in High Point, North Carolina, at 1215 Eastchester Drive.
- Identified as a private not-for-profit educational institution and church college.
- Classified under multiple Carnegie categories, including "special focus four-year: faith-related institutions."
- Closed as of the latest data (formerly operational).
- Religious affiliation: Christian.
- VIAF ID: 130544917; ISNI: 0000000089562333.
- Website (archived): http://www.laureluniversity.edu (English).

## FAQs
### Q: Is Laurel University still open?
A: No, Laurel University is described as a "former" college, indicating it has closed. The exact closure date is not specified in the provided data.

### Q: What were Laurel University's previous names?
A: The institution was also known as John Wesley University and John Wesley College.

### Q: Where was Laurel University located?
A: It was based in High Point, North Carolina, at 1215 Eastchester Drive, ZIP code 27265-3115.

## Why It Matters
Laurel University played a role in North Carolina’s higher education landscape as a small, faith-focused institution. It provided specialized programs aligned with Christian values, catering to students seeking religiously oriented academic environments. As a private not-for-profit college, it contributed to the diversity of educational options in the state, emphasizing residential learning and professional development. Its closure reflects broader challenges faced by small colleges in maintaining sustainability, particularly those with niche missions.

## Notable For
- **Faith-Based Focus**: Operated as a church college with Christian affiliation.
- **Multiple Names**: Transitioned through identities including John Wesley College and John Wesley University.
- **Specialized Classifications**: Held Carnegie classifications such as "four-year, very small, primarily residential" and "postbaccalaureate: education-dominant."
- **Distinctive Programs**: Offered curricula blending professional training (e.g., education, ministry) with liberal arts foundations.

## Body
### History
- **Founding**: The institution’s inception is noted as both 1903 and 1932, reflecting potential mergers, reorganizations, or differing sources.
- **Closure**: Described as "former" in official descriptions, though no specific closure date is provided.

### Academics
- **Carnegie Classifications**: 
  - Special focus four-year: faith-related institutions.
  - Majority undergraduate.
  - Postbaccalaureate: education-dominant, with other professional programs.
  - Four-year, very small, primarily residential.
  - Professions focus, some graduate coexistence.
- **Religious Affiliation**: Christian, with curricula integrating faith-based perspectives.

### Identifiers & Location
- **Coordinates**: 35.9943° N, -79.9984° W.
- **Addresses**: 
  - Street: 1215 Eastchester Drive, High Point, NC 27265-3115.
  - Postal Code: 27265-3115.
- **Unique IDs**: 
  - VIAF: 130544917.
  - ISNI: 0000000089562333.
  - ROR: 00a08ze66.
  - IPEDS: 198747.

### Legacy
- **Alumni Category**: Laurel University alumni are cataloged under a dedicated category.
- **Digital Presence**: Archived website available at http://www.laureluniversity.edu (English).

## References

1. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
2. Open ISNI for Organizations
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. ROR release v1.19
5. Google Knowledge Graph
6. Freebase Data Dumps
7. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
8. GRID Release 2016-05-31
9. Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
10. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions