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Taylor University
Taylor University was founded in 1846 in Upland, Indiana, making it one of the oldest evangelical Christian universities in the United States.
Taylor University
Taylor University was founded in 1846 in Upland, Indiana, making it one of the oldest evangelical Christian universities in the United States. Its operating structure links the president with a board chaired by Chris Goeglein of True North Strategic Advisors, and it channels endowment resources toward both mission-aligned and local economic development investments. The institution’s deployment blends real estate with targeted philanthropic and startup exposure. Physical holdings include the Euler Science Complex and a Residential Village on campus, while the Main Street Mile Initiative — a mixed-use project backed by a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. (per Altss research) — shows a tangible, place-based investment posture. The university also provides students with a Finance Lab equipped with Bloomberg Terminals, signaling an operational commitment to applied financial education. Executive Director Andrea Masvero leads 1846 Enterprises, the vehicle that directs the endowment's commercial and real-asset activity off the balance sheet of the academic institution. A recent marker in this strategy is the ongoing development of the Main Street Mile Initiative, which ties university resources directly to Upland’s downtown economic fabric. The structural differentiator is an endowment that operates a dedicated arm — 1846 Enterprises — to blur the line between an institutional investor and a local economic developer. Rather than outsourcing management entirely, Taylor uses its balance sheet to transform the town that hosts it, creating a reciprocal investment model that connects university capital to community infrastructure.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1846
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Upland
Corporate office
Upland, Indiana, United States
Principals
D. Michael Lindsay
President
Chris Goeglein
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Andrea Masvero
Executive Director of 1846 Enterprises
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
How does Taylor University’s endowment invest its capital?
The endowment, managed through 1846 Enterprises under Executive Director Andrea Masvero, takes a direct and place-based approach. It holds on-campus assets like the Euler Science Complex, engages in real estate through properties such as the Residential Village, and invests in community development through the mixed-use Main Street Mile Initiative. It also explores startup and mission-related investments, though details on direct company stakes are not publicly disclosed.
What is 1846 Enterprises and how does it relate to the university?
1846 Enterprises is the operational entity that handles Taylor University’s commercial and real-asset investment activity. Led by Andrea Masvero, it operates distinctly from the university's academic administration, allowing the endowment to pursue real estate development and other investments that support both its financial objectives and the local community.
Does Taylor University’s endowment commit to outside funds or make direct investments?
Based on known activity, the endowment favors a direct investment posture, particularly in physical assets. There are no public records of fund commitments to external managers. The strategy, executed through 1846 Enterprises, is concentrated in real estate and community infrastructure projects within Upland, Indiana, rather than a broad portfolio of manager relationships.
What role did the Lilly Endowment grant play in Taylor University’s investment strategy?
A $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. is the cornerstone of the Main Street Mile Initiative. This grant functions as co-investment capital, enabling the university to pursue a mixed-use project that ties the endowment’s resources directly to Upland’s downtown development. The project transforms a philanthropic grant into an active economic development tool.
Who holds investment decision-making authority for the endowment?
Investment activity is channeled through 1846 Enterprises, where Andrea Masvero serves as Executive Director. The ultimate governance sits with the Board of Trustees, chaired by Chris Goeglein of True North Strategic Advisors, operating alongside President D. Michael Lindsay. The precise internal approval process for direct investments is not publicly detailed.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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