Roberts Wesleyan University was originally established as "Chili Seminary" by
Benjamin Titus Roberts in 1866. Roberts was an
American Methodist bishop, a social activist who opposed slavery and oppression of the poor, and was a supporter of women's right to vote. He began the school to train young people to become servant leaders with high moral character. Having first used a local tavern as a school, in 1869 a three-story brick building was erected. There were 56 students total that year. In 1885, its name changed to "Chesbrough Seminary" in response to the $30,000 gift of benefactor A.M. Chesbrough. In the fall of 1892 both Cox Hall and Roberts Hall were completed. Carpenter Hall was opened in 1935. It was named for Adella P. Carpenter who had taught at the school from 1877 to 1916. Carpenter Hall has housed many important pieces of the campus, including the dining hall, library, and dorms. The building currently houses the Art, Social Work, and Psychology Departments. In 1945, it was renamed "Roberts Junior College" in honor of B.T. Roberts, the founder of both the college and the
Free Methodist Church. Four years later, it was renamed as "Roberts Wesleyan College" to indicate the transition to a four-year baccalaureate institution and to root itself clearly within the Wesleyan theological tradition. In 1998,
Northeastern Seminary was established as Roberts'
graduate school of
theology. On September 13, 2022, it was renamed "Roberts Wesleyan University" after applying to the
New York State Education Department and the
Board of Regents. The 12th president of Roberts Wesleyan University is
Rupert A. Hayles Jr., who started on July 1, 2023. ==Athletics==