Tennessee Wesleyan University is thrilled to announce a significant contribution from the Dr. Mintie Cantrell Willson Family to fully fund the tuckpointing project in an ongoing restoration effort for the Old College building. This generous gift underscores the Willson family’s deep commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of our campus and ensuring that future generations can experience the rich history this iconic structure represents.

Old College, completed in 1858, would become the core of a college ultimately known as Tennessee Wesleyan University. The three-story brick building has served every purpose on the campus, was used as an American Civil War hospital, served as the original home of the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, and is currently the home to the Religion and Philosophy Department, the TWU Honor’s Program, Sam and Stella Roberts Library and Conference Room, and offices of the President and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

During the dedication ceremony held last Friday, Tennessee Wesleyan University President Dr. Tyler Forrest said, “It is an extreme honor to celebrate the Willson family, a family whose support has spanned decades not only on the TWU campus, but the entire community.”

In honor of the Willson family contribution, the parlor in Lawrence Hall, whose picturesque windows look out to the campus quad and Old College, was named “Mintie’s Parlor” in honor of Dr. Willson’s many years of dedication and service to the university.

“Tennessee Wesleyan University continues to be a big part of this community; it is one of our biggest assets,” said Dr. Willson. “Athens is very blessed not just to have a university, but to have it located downtown.”

The tuckpointing project will begin immediately on Old College and preserve the building for generations to come.

The contribution is part of the “We Are Wesleyan” capital campaign that includes many initiatives that are meaningful to the long-term sustainability of Tennessee Wesleyan including facilities enhancement, scholarship support, and endowment growth.