Walsh University is a private Roman Catholic university in North Canton, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1960 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction as a liberal arts college, it enrolls approximately 2,100 students as of 2023. The university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and seven graduate programs, as well as multiple global learning experiences.

History

The school's namesake is Bishop Emmet M. Walsh of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Walsh University was founded as LaMennais College in Alfred, Maine in 1951 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction to educate young men as brothers and teachers. In 1957, Brother Robert A. Francoeur of LaMennais College and Monsignor William Hughes of Youngstown, Ohio discussed the Brothers' wish to move LaMennais College from Maine, and Bishop Walsh invited the Brothers to choose Canton, Ohio, as the new location. Bishop Walsh donated $304,000 to the Walsh College project. In 1959, the present location of Walsh University began as 50 acres of farmland on which two buildings were constructed, College Hall and LaMennais Hall, which continues to house the Brothers and international priest-students. The Brothers have played an active role at the institution, serving as faculty during the original years and playing a part in the growth and development of facilities and programs. Several have served as president. Walsh College became Walsh University in 1993. In 2013, Walsh University joined Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Walsh previously competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a member of the American Mideast Conference, while its football team competed in the Mid-States Football Association.

Presidents

On July 1, 2019, Walsh University announced that Timothy J. Collins was appointed to serve as the university's seventh president. Presidents:

Campus

The campus covers 136 acre and is made up of 27 buildings along East Maple Street in North Canton. Buildings include: The campus includes dormitory residences named: The Walsh University Peace Pole outside Farrell Hall represents visitors including Willy Brandt, Coretta Scott King, Mother Teresa, and Elie Wiesel who came to Walsh University to advocate for peace. Walsh also oversees the Hoover Historical Center which they acquired in April 2004.

Academics

The university offers over 60 undergraduate majors. It is the only college governed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Walsh University offers the following graduate degrees: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT); Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed); Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.); Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development; Master of Arts in Theology, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Several graduate programs are offered in online and in an accelerated format. Walsh University offers several opportunities for professional development, including a certificate in healthcare management, FNP certificate, and several educator certificates or licensures.

Athletics

Walsh has 20 varsity athletic teams, with two more to be added in 2023–24, and competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division II level as a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. The university's football team formerly played their home games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, now playing on campus at Larry Staut Field.

Varsity teams

Walsh sponsors 10 men's varsity teams: baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, and track & field. The school also sponsors 10 women's varsity teams: basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. In 2023–24, Walsh will add one new sport for each sex. For men, sprint football will be added. This is a variant of American football played under standard NCAA rules but governed outside the NCAA structure, with player weights restricted to a maximum of 178 lb. The new team will play in the Midwest Sprint Football League. For women, the cheerleading discipline of STUNT, also not governed by the NCAA, will be added.

Mascot and colors

Walsh University sports teams compete as the "Cavaliers". School colors are maroon and gold. The school mascot is Sir Walter the Cavalier, who also makes appearances at various school events outside of athletics. A carved replica of Sir Walter stands outside the Cecchini Family Health and Wellness Complex and was created from an oak tree in 2016. The name Cavalier was chosen after the school newspaper, The Spectator, ran a contest in 1963, awarding Sean Keenan, Class of 1964, a $15 prize for his submission.

National championships

The Women's Basketball Team won the 1998 NAIA National Championship and the men's basketball team won the 2005 NAIA National Championship.

Notable people

Alumni

Faculty and staff