Gregory J. Miller, PresidentThat is exactly what Malone University offers through a Christian mission that nurtures the heart, mind, and future with equal care and attention.
“We know that deepening of faith and persistence in faith through your college years is greatly increased when you have a connection to a local church. We want to bridge the gap between our campus community and the local church community so that our students will flourish in their walks with Christ,” says Gregory J. Miller, president.
Rooted in Legacy, Growing Through Innovation
The university’s story began in 1892 when Quaker leaders J. Walter and Emma Malone founded the Christian Workers’ Training School in Cleveland, Ohio. With just six students, the school was created to prepare young people for urban ministry. It later became Cleveland Bible College and continued to grow steadily over the years. In 1957, the institution relocated to Canton due to highway construction, expanded its academic offerings, and was renamed Malone College. With the introduction of graduate programs and a broader liberal arts focus, it became Malone University in 2008.
Throughout its history, Malone has remained grounded in its Christian foundation and Quaker heritage, which emphasize humility, listening, and service. Today, the university offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, continuing to equip students for both professional success and meaningful lives of purpose.
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We know that deepening of faith and persistence in faith through your college years is greatly increased when you have a connection to a local church. We want to bridge the gap between our campus community and the local church community so that our students will flourish in their walks with Christ
Building on that foundation, Malone became one of the founding members of the Christian College Consortium (CCC), a group of 13 institutions that emerged in the 1970s as a unified voice for Christian higher education. The CCC not only fostered collaboration among like-minded colleges but also helped shape the national conversation around faith-based learning—a legacy that Malone continues to honor.
Malone pairs this foundation with professional excellence. Its nursing program has achieved a 100 percent NCLEX pass rate for two consecutive years. The graduate clinical mental health counseling program is one of the region’s largest, and undergraduate majors such as social work, education, and psychology consistently attract students who want to serve their communities.
The university’s nationally recognized zoo and wildlife biology program stands out for its immersive learning model. Students engage with animals from their first semester, using the on-campus zoo and partner organizations to deepen their education. Sustainability is also a priority, with environmental stewardship tied directly to the university’s commitment to creation care.
Innovation continues with Malone’s newly launched integrated skilled trades and business program. Students can earn a welding certification in two years while maintaining NCAA athletic eligibility. Afterward, they can pursue a bachelor’s degree in business, creating a flexible and forward-thinking academic path that blends hands-on skills with leadership preparation.
Education That Forms the Whole Person
This vision shapes Malone’s entire approach to community, mentorship, and Christian formation. Faculty are chosen for their expertise and their ability to disciple and care for students. Staff and alumni offer consistent support as students navigate both academic and personal growth. Many of the relationships formed at Malone are lasting, with friendships among graduates often continuing for decades. The enduring bond speaks to the deep sense of connection fostered on campus.
Recent initiatives reflect Malone’s focus on meeting the needs of today’s students. The Learn and Earn program places students in real-world jobs that provide both income and tuition assistance. Partner organizations include the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village and Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio. For many students, this model makes attending Malone affordable and, in some cases, entirely tuition-free.
Spiritual life is interwoven with daily routines. Dorm-church partnerships create meaningful monthly connections between students and local congregations, centered on meals, discipleship, and prayer. These relationships help students build a lasting and resilient faith. In addition to these partnerships, Malone is actively building a broader Christian support network through collaborations with area churches. These intentional connections help students feel known and cared for beyond campus, while strengthening their engagement in the wider Christian community. This integrated approach to spiritual life helps Malone stand apart from other Christian colleges.
From Welcome Week to graduation, Malone fosters an environment where students are known, challenged, and encouraged to grow. It is a place where questions are welcomed, friendships flourish, and the pursuit of Truth is central. In a world that often demands quick answers, Malone invites students to take their time and go deeper, because when education is grounded in eternal purpose, it transforms everything.
