Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) is a private liberal arts university in Delaware, Ohio. It was founded in 1842 by Methodist leaders and Central Ohio residents as a nonsectarian institution, and is a member of the Ohio Five ? a consortium of Ohio liberal arts colleges. OWU offers nearly 90 majors and 23 varsity sports. OWU is known for its strong liberal arts program, which includes a nationally renowned creative writing program.