In 1886, college president John F. Spence changed the name to Grant Memorial University[2] in an attempt to receive financial support from Northern benefactors.

Tennessee Wesleyan became a liberal arts college in 1957 when it began awarding bachelor's degrees.

In February 2016, the school announced that they would change their name to Tennessee Wesleyan University, effective July 1, 2016.

Tennessee Wesleyan University offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Behavioral Science, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Communication, Criminal Justice, Early Human Development and Learning, Education, English, Exercise Science, Fine Art (Visual Art and Theatre), Music, individualized majors, History, Human Services, International Studies, Mathematics, Nursing, Psychology, Church Vocations, Pre-Seminary, Sociology, Social Work, and Special Education.

Tennessee Wesleyan University accepts 62% of all applicants and is considered "selective" by U.S. News & World Report.