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On a gentle rise on the rural edge of Anderson was the site for a new college for women, chartered by the state legislature on February 14, 1911. From the opening of classes in September 1912, until the onset of the Great Depression in 1930, Anderson College granted baccalaureate degrees to women. Under the inspired leadership of the state's first female college president, Dr. Annie Dove Denmark, the institution survived by becoming a coeducational junior college. In the last half of the 20th century, the school grew and flourished, returning to baccalaureate status in 1990. In 2006, the name was changed to Anderson University, and it celebrates its centennial with the largest student body in its history, offering six graduate degrees. Campus History Series: Anderson University is the story of the institution that, by the "good hand of our God," has surmounted daunting challenges to become a significant influence in the history of the region.
About the author
Joyce Wood is a professor of history at Anderson University. She draws from the university archives and the memories of those associated with its history for the images and information showcased in Anderson University.
