MacMurray College

MacMurray College is a four-year, career-directed college with a strong liberal arts tradition, committed to preparing graduates for satisfying and productive professional careers, effective leadership and enriching the lives of students for continued learning, achievement and service. The campus is located in west central Illinois in the city of Jacksonville, about 30 miles west of the state capital of Springfield. The College was founded in 1846 by devout and erudite Methodist clergymen as well as several of Jacksonville's prominent citizens, and continues to build strong relationships with both the Methodist Church and the city of Jacksonville to this day.

The Illinois Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church established the Illinois Conference Female Academy in Jacksonville in 1846. The institution provided "for the intellectual and moral education" of women in the interests of government and society. The school catered to teachers, benevolent workers and missionary workers.