The main building was originally built in 1886 for Garfield University but was donated in 1898 to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) by James Davis, a St. Louis business man.

As crop failures and deaths made it difficult for pledges to be paid, the university floundered financially.

[6] In October, at the scheduled meeting, Stanley reported that the school was opened on September 21, 1898, and that "In accordance with the purposes in organizing and maintaining a denominational institution for higher education, we are encouraging such movements as will cultivate and stimulate spiritual growth and development."

He also acknowledged additional gifts from local citizens of Wichita (Davis included) in the form of works of art.

A college of liberal arts and a preparatory department offered classes in Literature, History, Mathematics, Astronomy, Bible, German, Elocution, and oratory.

Loyalty has in it more than we often think... Loyalty means that mental training and discipline which makes the child think, the development which makes him strong in mind and body, strong in his moral nature, a full man in that intelligence which should direct the efforts of all men for conscientious, honorable and successful private life and citizenship."

The main choir, the Singing Quakers, have traveled the globe to many locations including most of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Australia, and Austria.

Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and wrestling; women's sports include basketball, cross country, competitive cheerleading (coed), dance (coed) golf, powerlifting, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor), volleyball and wrestling.