College of Charleston

College of Charleston
Name	College of Charleston
Established	1770
Type	Public university
Endowment	$112.4 million (2021)
President	Andrew T. Hsu
City	Charleston, South Carolina
State	South Carolina
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 52 acres
Students	10,885 (Fall 2022)
Faculty	700
Colors	Maroon and white
Nickname	Cougars
Affiliations	University of South Carolina System
Website	cofc.edu

College of Charleston. Founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785, it is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States and the oldest in South Carolina. The college became a public institution in 1970 and is now a comprehensive university within the University of South Carolina System. It is known for its historic Charleston campus, strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum, and vibrant student life in a renowned coastal city.

History

The institution was established through the efforts of three prominent South Carolinians: Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Thomas Heyward Jr., and Edward Rutledge, all future signers of the Declaration of Independence. Its 1785 charter was signed by William Moultrie, then Governor of South Carolina. For most of its history, it operated as a small, private liberal arts college. A significant transformation occurred in 1970 when it merged with the Medical University of South Carolina and entered the state system, later joining the University of South Carolina System in 1992. Key historical figures in its development include President Harrison Randolph, who oversaw substantial growth in the early 20th century, and the leadership of Alex Sanders during its transition to a public college.

Academics

The college is organized into several schools, including the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Sciences and Mathematics, and the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs. It also houses the School of Business and the School of Education. Notable academic programs include its nationally recognized Marine Biology program, which leverages its coastal location, and the Honors College. The institution offers a wide range of bachelor's degrees and select master's programs, with a curriculum emphasizing undergraduate research and experiential learning. Faculty and students frequently engage with local historic and cultural institutions like the Gibbes Museum of Art and the Fort Sumter National Monument.

Campus

The main urban campus spans over 50 acres in the heart of the Charleston Historic District, featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings. The iconic Cistern Yard, site of commencement ceremonies, is flanked by the historic Randolph Hall and the Addlestone Library. Other significant structures include the Albert Simons Center for the Arts, the J. C. Long Building, and the TD Arena. The college also operates the Grice Marine Laboratory on James Island and the North Campus facility. The campus architecture and gardens are integral to the character of downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

Student life

Student life is active with over 200 student organizations, including a strong Greek life presence with chapters from the National Panhellenic Conference and the North American Interfraternity Conference. Major annual events include Family Weekend and the celebration of Homecoming. The student-run CisternYard Media oversees campus media. The campus is located near numerous cultural venues such as the Gaillard Center and the Charleston Music Hall, and students frequently participate in city-wide events like the Spoleto Festival USA.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Charleston Cougars, compete in the NCAA Division I as members of the Coastal Athletic Association. Men's and women's basketball teams play at the TD Arena, while baseball competes at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Other sponsored sports include soccer, volleyball, and sailing. The school has a notable rivalry with the UNC Wilmington Seahawks and has produced professional athletes such as Andrew Goudelock and participants in the Major League Baseball.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields. In politics and public service, notable figures include Catherine Templeton, former South Carolina cabinet official, and Mick Mulvaney, former Director of the Office of Management and Budget. In entertainment and the arts, alumni include actress and singer Mary-Louise Parker and television personality Stephen Colbert. The business world counts Linda Ketner, a philanthropist and political candidate, among its graduates. Other distinguished alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kathleen Parker and professional athletes like Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees.

Category:Universities and colleges in South Carolina Category:Public universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1770