MacMurray College dates its history from 1846 when a group of Methodist clergymen, led by Peter Cartwright and Peter Akers, founded it as the Illinois Conference Female Academy. The first class was held in 1848. The school was renamed the Illinois Conference Female College in 1851, with the name changed again to Illinois Female College in 1863.
Throughout the second half of the nineteenth century, the College provided a rigorous educational program for women at the preparatory and collegiate levels. Programs of instruction included Latin, Greek, chemistry, natural and moral philosophy, and meteorology. A student's day began early in the morning and proceeded through a steady succession of classes and study halls to "lights out" in the evening.
Social life included chaperoned visits off-campus and the reception of male guests, provided they were approved by the governess. Nonetheless, according to a college historian, the dean experienced some difficulty preventing students from escaping from the residence halls.
More serious pursuits included student support for Union efforts during the Civil War and the development of Belles Lettres and Phi Nu, literary societies designed to promote "independent thought and accurate habits of composition," according to the 1856 catalog.
In 1909, the College offered its first baccalaureate degrees and the academic program rose in stature to stand among the best in the nation. In 1914, the student government was chartered, beginning an uninterrupted association with faculty, staff, and the trustees.
Due, in large measure, to the generosity of Senator James MacMurray, a College trustee, the late 1920s and 1930s saw a substantial increase in the College's facilities and endowment. In recognition of his commitment, the college was named for him in 1930.

FOR STUDENTS
Academics are the heart of a MacMurray education. From this page you can get to the latest catalog with information on our majors, courses, and academic policies; the academic calendar for this year and the next; the course schedule for current and future semesters; and individual course syllabi that give details of course requirements, reading lists, and day-to-day schedules.
From here you can also find in-depth information about  departments and programs. You can learn about opportunities for May Term tours and other off-campus study, and how to get help on campus from the Learning Center and the Library. You can also find out about ordering a transcript of your MacMurray academic record. We charge $10 for official transcripts, but unofficial ones are free.
These services are provided by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Records and Registration, both located on the third floor, west wing, of Kathryn Hall, the administration building. You are welcome to visit us (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday) with any questions or concerns about academic matters. You can also reach us by phone at 217-479-7014, by fax at 217-479-7013, or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it We want to help you make the most of your MacMurray academic experience!

Address:
MacMurray College
447 East College Avenue , Jacksonville, IL 62650 , 800-252-7485

For details information: McMurray College