Thanks to a generous gift from the Dr. Mintie Cantrell Willson family, Tennessee Wesleyan’s most iconic and historic building, Old College, has undergone a meticulous exterior restoration, preserved the building’s historic character while preparing it to stand for generations to come. The Willson family’s gift reflects their deep commitment to preserving TWU’s history.

Dr. Mintie Cantrell Willson served multiple terms as a member of the
Tennessee Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, and she was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from the university in 2018 in response to her countless years of service. The Willson family has a long legacy of supporting TWU. Their dedication to the university spans generations, exemplifying a shared passion among their family for fostering educational excellence.

Old College has long stood as an icon on Tennessee Wesleyan’s campus. The building was first constructed in 1857 and has served a multitude of purposes, including as a Civil War hospital, a museum, and the office of the university president. Closing in on 200 years after its initial opening, Old College continues to serve the TWU family loyally, housing administrative offices, the religion department, and the honors lounge. Classes are often held in one of the building’s larger rooms, granting students a class setting that enables them to better connect with their fellow students.

The restoration project focused on a process called repointing, which involves carefully removing and replacing aging mortar between the bricks. This specialized work not only enhances the building’s visual appearance but also improves structural stability and helps protect against long-term water damage, ensuring the exterior remains both beautiful and sound.

To honor the completion of the exterior restoration project, a reception was recently held in which a plaque was presented to the Willson family that has been placed in Old College, recognizing their generous donation that will impact past, present, and future Bulldogs for years to come.