Straight University was founded in 1868 by the American Missionary Association . The school received its name from the Honorable Seymour Straight of Hudson, Ohio. Throughout its history Straight offered courses of study ranging from elementary school to college level courses in music, law and theology. In 1886 Straight discontinued the Law Department and began to focus on the liberal arts, industrial arts and teacher training. In 1915 the name Straight University was changed to Straight College which represented the scope of the school’s work accurately. In 1934, after experiencing financial difficulties, Straight College was merged with New Orleans University to form Dillard University.