Wisdom Quest’s move to Activity Center marks progress on former Iowa Wesleyan Campus

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Community School District continues to repurpose buildings on the former Iowa Wesleyan University campus, reshaping how it uses space and positioning itself for greater flexibility in the years ahead.

While the district already uses the Chapel Auditorium for musical performances, relocating the Wisdom Quest Learning Center to the activity center on Central Campus continues the district’s effort to make the space directly benefit students.

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During the Oct. 13 school board meeting, Superintendent John Henriksen detailed the move of the alternative learning program from its longtime location in the district’s former central receiving building to the activity center at the former Iowa Wesleyan site.

According to Henriksen, classrooms were moved Oct. 15—16, and students are set to begin classes in the new location Tuesday, Oct. 21.

“Wisdom Quest is transitioning out of that building … we’re ready to go with technology,” Henriksen said. “Food service has been notified.”

Wisdom Quest Principal Tyler Rodgers said he was “looking forward to it” when Henriksen asked for his input during the board meeting.

Henriksen said the metal building on East Monroe Street, which also housed district operations, is being vacated so the site can be sold.

The move gives the district’s non-traditional program, which serves 10th through 12th-graders, a refreshed home. According to the program’s description on the district website, Wisdom Quest “provides students with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma while encouraging them to become responsible and dependable citizens.”

Classes combine live instruction with online coursework, offering a flexible environment for students who benefit from a smaller academic setting.

The district’s purchase of the centrally located Iowa Wesleyan buildings, including the Howe Student Activity Center, Ruble Arena and the chapel, was confirmed in early 2024 after offers made in 2023 totaling about $1.25 million.

That acquisition initially drew community debate over costs and upkeep, but district leaders described the move as an investment in the future. Henriksen has said the long-term vision is to use the former university facilities to support academic programs and the community at large.

With Wisdom Quest now relocating to the activity center, those buildings are beginning to see new life under district ownership — a tangible step in turning the historic campus into an integral part of Mt. Pleasant’s educational landscape once again.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com