Ancilla College to become Marian University-Plymouth this July

Marian University’s Ancilla College will officially become Marian University-Plymouth this July, marking a significant milestone in the institution's ongoing partnership with Marian University and its continued commitment to serving Marshall County students.

Dr. Natalie Tucker, Vice President and Dean of Marian University Ancilla's College, presented the announcement to Marshall County Commissioners this week, along with updates on enrollment, academic programs, and future expansion plans.

The name change from Ancilla College to Marian University-Plymouth represents more than a rebranding effort. Tucker explained that the word "Ancilla" belongs to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, the religious order that founded the institution.

"The Poor Handmaids are very supportive of the name change to Marian University-Plymouth, which sounds more collegiate," Tucker told commissioners.

The change comes as the institution celebrates five years of serving students under the Marian University umbrella, building on decades of service to the community as an anchor institution in Marshall County.

Marian University-Plymouth currently offers eight degree programs designed to address critical workforce needs and shortages throughout Indiana:

Six Associate Degree Programs: Education, Liberal Arts, Agriculture, Exercise Science, Veterinary Nursing, and Business, along with two Bachelor's Degree Programs: Elementary Education and Nursing.

"We are trying to address workforce needs and shortages in the state with these programs and offer advanced education in state-of-the-art facilities," Tucker said.

Business remains the university's largest program, while agriculture is experiencing the fastest growth. Tucker noted significant expansion in the four-year nursing and veterinary nursing programs as well.

The university currently enrolls just over 200 students, with ambitious plans to grow to 350 students within the next two years. The student body reflects the institution's commitment to accessibility and opportunity, with 73% of students living in on-campus dormitories, 51% are first-generation college students, 98% receive federal financial aid, 70% are student-athletes, and 87% come from Indiana. The university also attracts international students from countries including Spain, South Africa, and Australia, adding global diversity to the campus community.

Tucker announced an exciting addition to campus facilities: a new "Maker Space" dedicated to entrepreneurship, business, and innovative agriculture. The space will not only serve university students but will also be available to community partners.

"We plan to continue working with the Lifelong Learning Network and the CTE programs in the high schools that could use this new space, too," Tucker said, emphasizing the institution's commitment to community engagement and regional educational collaboration.  Both the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and Marian University are celebrating their 175th anniversaries this year. The milestone anniversaries underscore the long tradition of educational service that will continue under the Marian University-Plymouth name.

Tucker expressed appreciation to Marshall County for its ongoing support of the institution, recognizing that community partnership has been essential to the college's success and growth.

As Ancilla College prepares to become Marian University-Plymouth, the institution reaffirms its commitment to serving as an anchor in Marshall County, providing accessible higher education, addressing workforce needs, and contributing to the economic and social vitality of the region.