Furman University

Furman University is a private liberal arts university located in Greenville, South Carolina. Founded in 1826, it is the oldest private institution of higher learning in the state. Furman offers undergraduate programs across the arts, sciences, social sciences, business, health sciences, and education, along with select graduate degrees. The university has historical roots in the South Carolina Baptist Convention and became fully independent of formal church affiliation in 1992. Known for its residential campus and emphasis on undergraduate teaching and research, Furman attracts students seeking a broad-based liberal arts education in a mid-sized, residential setting. Its academic programs encourage interdisciplinary study, experiential learning, and close interaction between students and faculty.

Furman University was founded in 1826 as Furman Academy and Theological Institution by the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Originally located in Edgefield, the institution moved several times in its early years before settling in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1851. In 1850, it received a charter as Furman University. The theological department separated in 1858, eventually becoming the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. James Clement Furman, son of the university’s namesake Richard Furman, was elected the first president in 1859. The university closed during the Civil War from 1861 to 1866 and later expanded its academic offerings. A coordinate Woman’s College operated from 1933 until Furman became fully coeducational in 1961. During the mid-20th century, the university relocated to its current campus in Greenville. In 1992, Furman University formally ended its denominational affiliation, evolving into a private liberal arts institution with national recognition.