Graceland University-Lamoni

Graceland University is an arts university with separate campuses in Iowa and Missouri. With roots dating back to 1895, Graceland was established with affinities to the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS Church).

The main campus is in Lamoni in Iowa, which offers a vast majority of the 50 degrees on offer. Some of the most popular subjects are: English, history, psychology, accounting, international studies, and philosophy. Graceland also offers online programmes.

Graceland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Moreover, the teacher education programme is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and nursing programme is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This ensures that students are properly prepared to enter the professional world. 

The university is known to have small class sizes, which facilitates student growth, as well as a selective admissions process. 

There are over 50 clubs and organisations for students to explore, with over 250 leadership positions up for grabs. Some of the most popular student clubs include: the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), International Club, Outreach International club, Enactus, Art Student Society and Sustainability Club.

In 2012, the university took on a rejuvenation project on campus, with the completion of the Shaw Centre, which placed a renewed emphasis on the performing arts. Graceland performance groups include Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Oratorio Chorus, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra and Theatre. In that year, Graceland doubled its number of annual theatre productions.

Notable alumni include Caitlyn Jenner – formerly known as Bruce Jenner – an American television personality and retired Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete, David Yost,  an American actor and producer who is best known for portraying Billy Cranston in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and Teresa Carpenter, an Pulitzer prize winning and bestselling American author.