Wesleyan University-Philippines (WU-P) is a private, Protestant, sectarian, and non-profit higher education institution run by the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.

[1] It also initiated the Support for the Handicapped and their Rehabilitation through Education (SHARE) Program, the first school in Central Luzon to integrate hearing-impaired students into mainstream classes.

It started operating in "sawali" and wooden structure erected on an 800-square meter lot at the corner of Quimzon and Mabini Streets in Cabanatuan, with its first set of 19 faculty and staff and batch of 368 students enrolled in Liberal Arts, Education, Elementary and High School programs.

Since its elevation to university status, it has grown in terms of academic programs, student enrolment, physical plant and facilities, faculty and staff, research and extension and other support services.

Each contributed in bringing the university to its present glorious status, an esteemed educational landmark in the region.

The first president of the institution was Dr. Dionisio D. Alejandro (1946–1947), the first Filipino Bishop of the United Methodist Church of the Philippines.

Carlos Mañacop Sr. (1947–1952); followed by Dr. Roxy Lefforge (1952–1954); then Dr. Asuncion A. Perez (1954–1967), the first female cabinet member who served as a Social Welfare Administrator under four Philippine presidents.

The four-storey Alejandrino Hall which houses the College of Computer Studies and the three-storey Elementary Building were constructed during his term.

It was under his leadership and his vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Anselmo D. Lupdag, that the university was granted a five-year Autonomous Status (2009–2014) by the Commission on Higher Education.

Make-over of the campus physical facilities, refurbishing of buildings, provision of Wi-Fi internet connection and air-conditioned classrooms were accomplished during his tenure.

His graceful exit from office is historic as he was the first president to retire from his post which paved the way for smooth transition of leadership.

Benjamin D. Turgano, a retired judge and a man of Methodist faith was elected as the 12th president of the university.

He also emphasized that transparency, efficiency, accountability and continuous improvements will be the standards that will govern the academic and administrative operations and procedures in the university during his presidency.

The image of Circuit Rider was chosen as the university mascot to signify the clergymen of the Methodist Church who travel around specific geographic territories to minister to settlers and organize congregations.

Since its founding in 1946, the Wesleyan community continuously strive to realize its vision, mission and goals and its trifocal philosophies of scholarship, service, and character.

Consequently, it has achieved the following: It was the first university in the region to top the board examination for Certified Public Accountants (1985) and for Electronics and Communications Engineers (2002) and has since then a consistent producer of top Examinees in the Licensure Exams in Nursing, Engineering, Criminology, Accountancy, Social work and X-ray Technology and Physical Therapy.

The College of Education serves also as a Teacher-Training Institution (TTI) for the training of secondary Science and Mathematics teachers.

The university serves as the seat of the non-government organizations (NGOs) forum in Nueva Ecija and the center for Drug Prevention Education in the province.

The university has been granted a five-year autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education effective March 11, 2009.

An autonomous status allows universities to design their own curricula, offer new programs and put up branches or satellite campuses without having to secure permits, confer honorary degrees, and carry out operations without much interference from the commission.

Ministries and functions Wesleyan University – Philippines as a United Methodist academic institution through the Office of the Chaplain seeks to support a diversity of Christian beliefs respecting other denomination through the multi-faith character of its ministries by providing an ecumenical atmosphere throughout the university.

Thus the chaplain's office plans, coordinates, and directs a comprehensive program (of worship, religious activities and programs) to meet the religious and spiritual needs of the entire university community The Chaplain's office provides pastoral oversight, guidance, care and counseling, and administrative support; coordinates with the Guidance and Counseling Department in providing advisory function for both staff and students.

This was observed as a good avenue for spiritual formation so at present the syllabus is being studied for revision to cater the contemporary needs of the students.

The students together with campus minister assigned are jointly helping with the WESCOOP office to implement sustainable programs.