LeMoyne-Owen College

LeMoyne-Owen College is a private, historically black college located in Memphis, Tennessee, and is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The college was founded in 1862 by Francis Julius LeMoyne and Squire Owen, and has a long history of providing educational opportunities to African American students, including notable alumni such as Benjamin L. Hooks and Maxine Smith. LeMoyne-Owen College is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, and has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1954. The college has also been recognized by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities for its commitment to providing educational opportunities to underrepresented groups.

● History

The history of LeMoyne-Owen College dates back to 1862, when it was founded by Francis Julius LeMoyne and Squire Owen as the LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School. The school was established to provide educational opportunities to newly freed African American slaves, and was supported by the American Missionary Association and the Freedmen's Bureau. In 1863, the school was renamed the LeMoyne Institute, and began to offer courses in agriculture, business, and education. The college has also been influenced by notable figures such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, who were both prominent leaders in the African American community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. LeMoyne-Owen College has also been recognized for its role in the Civil Rights Movement, with alumni such as Benjamin L. Hooks and Maxine Smith playing key roles in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

● Campus

The campus of LeMoyne-Owen College is located in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee, and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Brownlee Hall and the Sweeney Hall. The campus is also home to the LeMoyne-Owen College Library, which provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases. The college has also invested in sustainability initiatives, including the installation of solar panels and the creation of a community garden. LeMoyne-Owen College is also located near several other institutions of higher education, including the University of Memphis and the Rhodes College, and has partnerships with organizations such as the Memphis Zoo and the National Civil Rights Museum.

● Academics

LeMoyne-Owen College offers a range of academic programs, including degrees in business administration, education, and health sciences. The college is also home to the Department of Arts and Sciences, which offers courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and psychology. LeMoyne-Owen College has also been recognized for its commitment to STEM education, with programs such as the National Science Foundation's STEM Talent Expansion Program. The college has also partnered with organizations such as the NASA and the National Institutes of Health to provide research opportunities for students. Notable faculty members include Mae Jemison, who is a NASA astronaut and a medical doctor, and David Satcher, who is a former Surgeon General of the United States.

● Student Life

LeMoyne-Owen College offers a range of student life activities, including clubs and organizations such as the Student Government Association and the National Association of Black Journalists. The college also has a strong commitment to community service, with programs such as the AmeriCorps and the Bonner Scholars Program. LeMoyne-Owen College has also been recognized for its support of first-generation college students, with programs such as the TRIO Program and the Upward Bound Program. The college has also partnered with organizations such as the United Way and the Memphis Urban League to provide resources and support to students. Notable alumni include Benjamin L. Hooks, who was a civil rights leader and a judge, and Maxine Smith, who was a civil rights activist and a politician.

● Athletics

LeMoyne-Owen College is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and offers a range of athletic programs, including basketball, football, and track and field. The college has also been recognized for its commitment to athletic excellence, with teams such as the LeMoyne-Owen College Magicians competing at the NCAA Division II level. LeMoyne-Owen College has also partnered with organizations such as the National Football League and the Women's National Basketball Association to provide opportunities for student-athletes. Notable athletes include Penny Hardaway, who is a former NBA player and a college basketball coach, and Cynthia Cooper, who is a former WNBA player and a college basketball coach. The college has also been influenced by notable coaches such as John Thompson and Vivian Stringer, who are both members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.