Winthrop University
Winthrop University is a public university in Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1886 by David Bancroft Johnson, who served as the superintendent of Columbia, South Carolina, schools. He received a grant from Robert Charles Winthrop, a philanthropist from Boston, Massachusetts, to establish the school.
Since its inception, Winthrop has developed into a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees through five colleges and schools. It is classified among "Master's Colleges and Universities: Larger Programs". With approximately 6,000 students, it is the sixth-largest university in South Carolina. The main academic and residential campus is located in Rock Hill, southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina, and north of Columbia, South Carolina.
Fielding athletic teams known as Winthrop Eagles, the university participates in the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division I level as a member of Big South Conference. The athletic program is known for its success in basketball, esports, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.
History
Winthrop University was founded in 1886, when the Peabody Education Board of Massachusetts, headed by Robert Charles Winthrop, provided $1,500 to form the Winthrop Training School for white women teachers. That year, the school opened its doors to 21 students in Columbia, South Carolina. The school's name changed twice in quick succession, first to the South Carolina Industrial and Winthrop Normal College' in 1891 and then to the Winthrop Normal and Industrial College of South Carolina in 1893, before moving to Rock Hill, its current home, in 1895. The school's name had changed to reflect its mission to prepare some students for industrial jobs.The college remained segregated until 1964, and became fully coeducational in 1974. With this change, the school's name changed to Winthrop College. Evolving from a training school to a college with a four-year full curriculum, it also developed a graduate division. In 1992, it changed its name to Winthrop University.
Campus
The university's campus is in the city of Rock Hill, South Carolina. The Winthrop College Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as are Tillman Hall and Withers Building. The Winthrop University campus has its own zip code of 29733. Rock Hill has a total of five historic districts listed on the NRHP.Winthrop's campus is divided into two distinct areas: The main campus houses the academic buildings, residence halls, library, and campus center, and the more recently constructed Recreational and Research Complex is located about one mile northeast of the main campus.
Winthrop's main campus has had extensive development since the late 20th century. The $12-million Dalton Hall opened in 1999. The Courtyard at Winthrop, which features apartment-style residences for students, opened in 2003. The Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center opened in 2007; it is the new home of the university's physical education department and intramural sports. The most recent addition, in 2010, is the DiGiorgio Campus Center, which added a multipurpose campus center. This features a 225-seat movie theater, food court, campus bookstore, post office, and casual dining. The DiGiorgio Center is connected to the West Center by an open-air plaza.
The Research Complex hosts the Piedmont Wetlands Research Project, a golf course, and a world-class disc golf course.
Organization and administration
Appointed by the board of trustees, the university president is the chief administrative officer of Winthrop University. George W. Hynd was appointed interim president in January 2020 and succeeded Daniel F. Mahony, who had served since 2015. The university president is responsible for the administration of the university and oversees budgeting and financial planning, enrollment and admissions, academic planning, university facilities, and other matters.The Winthrop University Board of Trustees consists of 15 members, including the governor of South Carolina and the state superintendent of education. In addition to the university president, the board confirms the appointments of the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, deans, vice presidents, and other administrators.
Academics
Winthrop is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's, and specialist degrees. In all the university offers 43 undergraduate and 40 graduate degrees and certificates.Academic colleges
The university grants undergraduate degrees through four colleges:College of Business and Technology
Founded in 1968, the College of Business Administration was renamed the College of Business and Technology in 2024. The college has bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degree programs. Two master of business administration degrees are offered at the graduate level. the College of Business and Technology has been accredited by AACSB-International since 1979.Richard W. Riley College of Education
Created in 1968, the College of Education was renamed the Richard W. Riley College of Education in 2000. At the undergraduate level, a bachelor of science degree is offered. The Richard W. Riley College of Education has master of arts in teaching, master of science, and master of education graduate degree programs and an educational specialist in education leadership program.College of Visual and Performing Arts
The College of Visual and Performing Arts was established in 1988 and consists of the departments of Design, Fine Arts, Music, and Theatre and Dance. At the undergraduate level, the College of Visual and Performing Arts has bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of design, bachelor of music, and bachelor of music education degree programs. The master of arts, master of fine arts, master of music, and master of music education degrees are offered at the graduate level. Students and faculty annually produce more than 100 music performances, theatre and dance performances, and numerous curated exhibitions in two campus art galleries. Winthrop University is one of 37 universities nationally—and the only public or private institution in South Carolina—with all arts programs accredited.College of Arts and Sciences
Established in 1967, the College of Arts and Sciences has bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of social work programs. At the graduate level, the College of Arts and Sciences offers the master of liberal arts, master of arts, master of social work, and master of science degrees, as well as a specialist degree in school psychology.University College
Overseen by the dean of University College and vice provost for Student Success, Winthrop's University College was created in 2003 to coordinate and support "programs in both academic affairs and student affairs." Although University College does not confer academic degrees, all undergraduate students are served by its various offices, resources, and range of programs. University College houses the Academic Success Center, Office of Undergraduate Research, and International Center. The university honors program, McNair Scholars Program, Leadership Studies Program, TRiO Achievers Program, and General Education Program are also major components of University College. Winthrop's University College allows faculty and staff to work across disciplines to ensure all students have a common academic foundation.Honors Program
Founded in 1960, Winthrop University's Honors Program is among the oldest in the nation. Dr. John S. Eells served as the founding director of Winthrop's University Honors Program and was elected the fourth President of the National Collegiate Honors Council in 1970.Today, more than 250 students from each of Winthrop's four degree-granting colleges participate in the University Honors Program. Honors program students have access to early registration for classes, may enroll in small honors seminars, and receive honors academic advising. Many honors courses are taught at the Honors Center at The Courtyard at Winthrop, which offers a dedicated residence life program for University Honors Program students. Students must complete 23 hours of honors coursework, an honors thesis or other culminating experience, and a service-learning project, and maintain a minimum 3.30 grade point average to graduate with a University Honors Program degree. Students who compete these requirements receive honors recognition and honors academic regalia at commencement.