Originally built in 1929 and now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the Great Hall is the main administrative hub of the Monmouth University campus. Here you will find important offices such as Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid, as well as classrooms, event spaces, spacious study areas, and a popular coffee spot, Parson Cafe. Instantly recognizable by its iconic columns along the front staircase, the Great Hall overlooks the main campus and is adorned with unique architectural features around every corner.
The Great Hall
Media Gallery
Monmouth University Tour: The Great Hall
Building Details
Administrative Offices
Department of English
🏛️ Building Details
The Great Hall stands in the footprint of an earlier mansion named Shadow Lawn, which was once used as the summer White House of former President Woodrow Wilson. After the building was destroyed by fire in 1927, the current mansion was built as the private residence of the F.W. Woolworth Company president, Hubert Templeton Parson, and his wife, Maysie. Monmouth University (then Monmouth Junior College) acquired the property in 1955, and it has since stood as the centerpiece of our campus.
Architecture
The Great Hall’s interior design was crafted by one of the first professionally trained African American architects in the United States, Julian Abele (1881-1950). Abele worked under Horace Trumbauer, designing more than 400 buildings including the Harvard University Widener Memorial Library, the Central Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Duke University Chapel.
"Annie"
You might recognize the Great Hall from the 1982 film, “Annie”! The building served as Daddy Warbucks’ mansion throughout the musical, including the iconic shot of Annie dancing on the steps in the main lobby.
🏢 Administrative Offices
Our counselors and administrators are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and assist you through every step of your Monmouth journey, from application to graduation.
Undergraduate Admission
The Office of Undergraduate Admission is located on the first floor of the Great Hall. Monmouth offers 33 bachelor’s programs and over 200 accelerated Bachelor’s + Master’s degree program pathways. With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, Monmouth provides hands-on learning opportunities across all majors as well as classroom environments that foster collaboration with peers and faculty. Learn more about our undergraduate programs.
Graduate Admission
The Office of Graduate Admission is located on the second floor of the Great Hall. Our 24 master’s programs and four doctoral programs offer opportunities for advanced learning across a wide variety of disciplines. Expand your knowledge and specialize in areas such as business, education, social work, occupational therapy, and more. Explore our graduate program offerings.
Financial Aid Office
Did you know 95% of all Monmouth undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, and 90% receive scholarship or grant aid from the University? Our team offers guidance tailored to your circumstances to create a customized financial aid offer that will help you take the next step toward your future. To learn more about scholarships and aid, visit the Undergraduate Admission Office, located on the first floor of the Great Hall.
🏫 Department of English
English faculty offices are located in the Great Hall Annex, connected to the main building. Pursue your love of language and choose from a range of programs and course offerings in literature, creative writing, and professional writing. Learn more about the Department of English.
