Lana Oconnell
Furman University is a private liberal arts university in Greenville, South Carolina, founded in 1826. It is the oldest private university in the state and is known for its beautiful campus, unique academic experience, and strong sense of community. The university has a rich history, including a period of closure from 1861 to 1866 during the Civil War, and a notable journey towards inclusivity and desegregation. With a student body of around 2,500, comprising approximately 2,300 undergraduates and 150 graduate students, Furman offers a tight-knit community with a diverse range of cultural, religious, and intellectual backgrounds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of University | Liberal arts and sciences private university |
| Year founded | 1826 |
| Undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2023) | 2,327 |
| Undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2021) | 2,300 |
| Number of graduate students (Fall 2021) | 150 |
| Campus size | 750-800 acres |
| Number of students in the Class of 2028 | 616+ |
| Number of student organizations | 160+ |
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What You'll Learn
Furman University's student population
Furman University is a private liberal arts university in Greenville, South Carolina, founded in 1826. It is the oldest private university in the state and has a reputation for strong academics and a picturesque campus. The university became secular in 1992, though it retained its motto of "Christo et Doctrinae" (For Christ and Learning).
As of Fall 2021, Furman University enrolled approximately 2,300 undergraduate students and 150 graduate students, bringing its total student population to around 2,450. The university's campus size is reported as 750 acres by some sources, while others state it is 800 or 940 acres. The discrepancy may be due to different methods of measurement or the inclusion of recent land acquisitions.
The student body at Furman University is diverse, representing various cultural, religious, sexual, gender, and intellectual backgrounds and abilities. The university has a history of championing diversity and inclusion, with a notable example being its desegregation during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. In 1965, Joseph Vaughn became the first Black undergraduate to enroll, and in 1968, he was the first Black student to graduate from the university.
The university offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students. Academically, Furman provides a curriculum of 50 undergraduate majors and 15 minors, with popular areas of study including business, communications, and political science. Over 90% of students engage in learning experiences beyond the classroom, such as summer research fellowships and student conferences. The university also offers NCAA Division I athletics and more than 160 student organizations, fostering a well-rounded student experience.
The Class of 2028 at Furman University is an excellent example of the university's selective and holistic admission process. This class is composed of more than 616 bright and innovative students from diverse backgrounds, both nationally and internationally. The university's admissions process considers traditional measures of academic success as well as extracurricular involvement, special talents, and life experience.
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The university's founding and history
Furman University, a private liberal arts university in Greenville, South Carolina, was founded in 1826 and is the oldest private institution of higher learning in the state. It was named after Baptist pastor Richard Furman, and was established by the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Furman Academy and Theological Institution opened with 10 students in January 1827 or 1828, and for several years, the average enrolment was 10 students. The university operated in the High Hills of the Santee (now Stateburg, South Carolina) from 1829 to 1834.
In 1850, Furman University was chartered by the state legislature, and in 1851, it moved to its present location in Greenville, South Carolina, with funds raised by the South Carolina Baptists. The university closed from 1861 to 1866 during the American Civil War, with most students and faculty members enlisting in the Confederate forces.
In 1924, Furman was named one of four collegiate beneficiaries of the Duke Endowment. In 1933, the university became co-educational when students from the Greenville Women's College began attending classes with Furman students, and the two schools later merged. Furman became a secular university in 1992, though it retained its motto of "Christo et Doctrinae" (For Christ and Learning). That same year, the South Carolina Baptist Convention ended its affiliation with Furman.
Furman University has a long history of championing diversity and inclusion. In 1963, the university's board of trustees voted to admit Black students, and in 1965, Joseph Vaughn was the first Black undergraduate to enrol. In 1968, Vaughn became the first Black student to graduate from the university.
In 2016, an article in the university newspaper brought to light the fact that Richard Furman and his son James Clement Furman, Furman's first president, were slave owners and defenders of slavery. In response, the university set up a Task Force on Slavery and Justice, which issued a report in 2018 making recommendations to acknowledge the role of slavery and racism in the school's history.
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Campus size and location
Furman University is a private university located in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. It is the oldest private university in the state, founded in 1826 and named after Baptist pastor Richard Furman. The university is a prestigious liberal arts institution with a strong academic reputation and a picturesque campus.
The Furman campus covers 750 to 940 acres of land, featuring a blend of classic building design and park-like greenspace. The campus is known for its beauty and unique academic atmosphere, offering a tight-knit community feel for its students. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its student body, with representation from various cultural, religious, sexual, gender, and intellectual backgrounds.
The campus includes the Furman Institution Faculty Residence, which stands as a reminder of the university's early history and its brief establishment in Fairfield County. The first school building from the downtown Greenville campus was relocated to the current campus and remains in use today. The campus also features a student centre named after alumni Sarah and Gordon Herring, showcasing the university's appreciation for its alumni community.
Furman University's campus is situated in a vibrant location, contributing to the overall experience of its students. The university's location in Greenville provides a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. The city of Greenville offers a diverse range of cultural and recreational opportunities, enhancing the student life experience. The campus is easily accessible, providing convenient transportation options for students and staff.
The campus size and location of Furman University play a significant role in shaping the overall student experience. The expansive campus, with its blend of architectural and natural beauty, fosters a sense of community and inspires academic excellence. The university's location in Greenville, South Carolina, adds to its appeal, providing students with a rich cultural and social environment to complement their academic pursuits.
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Student demographics and backgrounds
Furman University is a private liberal arts university in Greenville, South Carolina, founded in 1826. It is the oldest private institution of higher learning in South Carolina and has a reputation for strong academics and a beautiful campus.
As of Fall 2023, Furman University has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 2,300 students, with an additional 150 graduate students, bringing the total student population to approximately 2,500. The student body is diverse, with students hailing from 44 states and 43 countries. They represent a wide range of cultural, religious, sexual, gender, and intellectual backgrounds and abilities.
The university has a long history of championing diversity and inclusion. In 1963, the university's board of trustees voted to admit Black students, and in 1965, Joseph Vaughn became the first Black undergraduate to enroll. In 1968, Vaughn was the first Black student to graduate from the university. In 1992, Furman became a secular university, ending its affiliation with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
The university's student population is made up of a tight-knit community of bright and innovative students dedicated to academic excellence and real-world impact. More than 90% of students participate in engaged learning experiences, such as summer research fellowships and student conferences. The university offers a curriculum of 50 undergraduate majors and 15 minors, with popular areas of study including business, communications, and political science.
Furman University's student life is characterized by a strong sense of community and a variety of extracurricular opportunities. There are more than 160 student organizations, including Greek life, sports teams, and clubs. The university's athletic teams, known as the Paladins, compete at the Division I level and are members of the Southern Conference. Traditions include a homecoming carnival and celebrating seniors' last day of class by swimming in the campus fountains.
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Academics, athletics, and extracurriculars
Furman University, founded in 1826, is a private liberal arts university in Greenville, South Carolina, and is the oldest private institution of higher learning in the state. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,300 to 2,500 students and a campus size of around 750 to 940 acres, depending on the source. The student body is diverse, representing various cultural, religious, sexual, gender, and intellectual backgrounds.
Academics
Furman University offers a unique academic experience with a curriculum of 50 undergraduate majors and 15 minors. The university provides broad research opportunities and a robust visual and performing arts program. Many students study business, communications, and political science. More than 90% of students engage in learning experiences such as summer research fellowships and student conferences. Through the "Furman Advantage," all students are guaranteed access to study away, internship, and research opportunities. The university also has a history of championing diversity and inclusion, promoting inclusive excellence and fostering a spirit of inclusivity through over 160 student organisations.
Athletics
Furman University's athletics teams are known as the Paladins, and they compete at the Division I level in the NCAA and are members of the Southern Conference. The university has a student centre named after alumni Sarah and Gordon Herring and a renovated student centre named after alumnus David Trone and his wife, June, following their $3.5 million gift.
Extracurriculars
Furman University offers a holistic, selective admission process that considers extracurricular involvement, special talents, and life experience in addition to academic success. The university has a Greek life presence and various clubs and organisations for students to join. Traditions include the homecoming carnival and celebrating seniors' last day of class by swimming in the campus fountains.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, Furman University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,327 students. The university also has around 150 graduate students, bringing the total number of students to approximately 2,500.
The Furman University campus covers 750 to 940 acres of land and is known for its classic building design and park-like greenspace.
While the exact class sizes at Furman University are not available, the incoming class of 2028 is made up of more than 616 students.
