From ‘Jacobs’ Folly’ to ‘True Blue’

Presbyterian College (otherwise known as PC) was founded in 1880 by the Rev. William Plumer Jacobs. Jacobs arrived in Clinton, South Carolina in 1864, following the devastation of the Civil War, and he dreamed of building an orphanage in the area.

In October of 1875, Thornwell Orphanage opened its doors to 10 orphaned children. Five years after establishing the orphanage, Jacobs was faced with another challenge; sending those children to a proper college to continue their education. The institution—first called Clinton College—was organized under the ownership and management of local Presbyterians. Clinton College was coeducational from the beginning and its founding purpose was to care for young men and women from the local area.

After operating its first 25 years under the sponsorship of the Clinton First Presbyterian Church, PC officially became the Presbyterian College of South Carolina in 1904 with the synod’s vote to assume ownership. By 1909, Presbyterian College offered a curriculum leading to a B.A. degree, post-graduate work for the M.A., and a B.S. degree.

Today

Presbyterian College stands proudly as a nationally-ranked, comprehensive liberal arts institution known for its exceptional academic programs, a transformative learning experience, and service to the community. More than 95 percent of the faculty have terminal degrees, and six PC professors have been named South Carolina Professor of the Year. PC offers more than 90 majors, minors, and special programs, eight pre-professional programs, and three graduate programs. Through the Center for Inquiry, Research and Scholarship, the college provides research opportunities for students to explore their fields of study. All students take part in experiential learning by completing an internship, conducting research, or studying abroad.

PC has been recognized for its commitment to making a college education accessible. U.S. News & World Report ranked PC No. 108 for social mobility and 124th nationally. The Center for First-Generation Student Success designated PC as one of the country’s “First-Gen Forward” institutions, which acknowledges higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success.

Fun Facts

• PC founder William Plumer Jacobs was also the founder of Thornwell, which was created to serve children orphaned by the Civil War.
• Renowned New York City landscape architect Charles Leavitt, Jr. designed PC’s 240-acre campus. Unified around a central mall, the campus includes four grassy plazas surrounded by stately red-brick buildings of Georgian and Neoclassical design.
• PC’s former registrar Lillian Brown, the wife of president Marshall Brown, corresponded with PC men serving in the military during World War II. Her “Beemail Letters” were sent overseas to servicemen and are now compiled and available to view in PC’s James H. Thomason Library.

Market Position & Strategic Plan

Presbyterian College provides students of all faiths, identities, and backgrounds with a transformative education that equips them for impactful careers and empowers them to serve as powerful forces for positive community and world change. PC’s distinctive approach uses innovative service as a tool of self-discovery, an amplifier of problem-solving skills, and a catalyst of curiosity. A PC education offers students a real-life proving ground to practice the grace-driven art and science of changing lives.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES INCLUDE:

• Innovative Academics
• Heart of Service
• Intentional Presbyterian Connections
• Center for Inquiry, Research, and Scholarship
• Justice and Community Wellbeing
• Jacobs Scholars Program
• Center for South Korean and Asian Studies

Mission Statement

Presbyterian College’s history is still being written by dedicated individuals devoted to inspiring and mentoring the world’s next generation of servant leaders. The following statement drives PC’s overarching purpose:

Goals Guiding the College

• Help students gain a basic knowledge of humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences; a special competence in one or more particular areas of study; and an ability to see these studies as part of the larger search for truth
• Develop in students the ability to think clearly and independently, to make critical judgments, and to communicate effectively in both speech and writing
• Foster in students an aesthetic appreciation of the arts and literature
• Acquaint students with the teachings and values of the Christian faith
• Help students develop moral and ethical commitments, including service to others
• Help students attain a sense of dignity, self-worth, and appreciation of other persons of diverse backgrounds
• Encourage in students an appreciation for teamwork and for physical fitness and athletic skills that will contribute to lifelong health
• Foster in students an appreciation of, and concern for, the environment and natural resources