The History of Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC.
Wofford College was founded in 1854 as a liberal arts college located in Spartanburg, SC. The state is vibrant with local businesses such as many shops and restaurants. Other colleges are located in the city, and visitors flock there since they have various activities to offer.
The college is recognized as a national arboretum and occupies a large size of land. The conservatory is covered with many acres of trees hence providing a green environment in an urban setting.
The campus is affiliated with the Methodist church. William Wightman was the first college's president who presided over the cornerstone ceremony in 1851. The first building was completed in 1854, and first-class was admitted consisting of seven young men. The first building of the college was constructed by enslaved persons who were skilled carpenters.
Ephraim Clayton of Asheville, N.C supervised construction. It is in the records that carpenters performed beautiful woodwork.
During the Civil War, the college suffered drawbacks since professors and students lost their lives. The dark moments didn't stop president Dr. James H. Carlisle, a former mathematics and astronomy professor, from reconstructing the institution.
Under the tenure of Dr. Carlisle, Wofford College expanded. The first class of women was conferred with degrees in 1901. By 1909 the college was faced with financial challenges but the Methodist church supported it. Latter, the institution recovered from the economic crisis though not at once.
Nevertheless, some professors could work without pay for more than four months during hard financial times. However, by the end of Snyder's administration, the college was financially stable and remained an academic giant with a good reputation.
However, it is during Snyder's tenure when they fitted the Main Building with electric lights. A library was constructed and was named Whitefoord Smith Library. The enrollment of students grew together with the student body.
Wofford was the first private college in South Carolina to be recognized with a chapter of the honor society Phi Beta Kappa. It was awarded in 1941. After these golden moments, the nation found itself in catastrophe. World War 2 broke.
Furthermore, during World War 2, students were deployed to work under United States Army. The college served as a training camp temporarily. Students who remained were transferred to Converse College, which is few kilometers away.
However, when the war ended, there was a high enrollment of students courtesy of B.I. Bills of Rights. The number of students increased than the college would accommodate. At that time, the Methodist church had stopped all the capital projects.
The college offers the bachelor of degrees from major fields of studies: medicine, law, and commerce. It aimed at promoting liberal arts education that equips students to relate well with society globally. Students are trained to have good character and excellent leadership qualities.
Additionally, the college offers pre-professional programs in education, law, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary science.
The institution is known for its co-curriculum activities. After struggles from the past, the college has a strong program in athletics. Furthermore, Wofford is a member of NCCA Division I. They participate in various sports, including; football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and golf. Their colors are old gold and black, and they are a member of the Southern Conference.
Wofford College's history is a long and interesting one, and the article has covered part of it. Wofford College can’t be complete without mentioning Spartanburg, SC. The establishment of the college made the city to be no longer a sleepy courthouse village. Local businesses boomed due to industries around like textiles.
Are you living in South Carolina? Then Wofford College is the best campus to join for tertiary education!