Cottey College is an independent, women's liberal arts and sciences college in Nevada, Missouri. While it began as a finishing school, it is now a four-year baccalaureate-granting college. It was founded by Virginia Alice Cottey Stockard in 1884 and is currently owned and supported by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic women's organization. It is the only nonsectarian college in the United States owned and supported by women for women.