Winthrop University

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Coordinates: 34°56′27″N 81°1′52.8″W / 34.94083, -81.031333

Winthrop University
Motto: Veritas cum libertate
Truth with liberty
Established: 1886
Type: Public
President: Anthony J. DiGiorgio
Faculty: 255
Undergraduates: 5111[1]
Postgraduates: 1181[1]
Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
Campus: Suburban
Colors: Garnet and Gold          
Mascot: Eagles
Website: www.winthrop.edu

Winthrop University (formerly Winthrop College) is an American public, four-year liberal arts college in Rock Hill, South Carolina. In 2006-07, Winthrop University had an enrollment of 6,292 students.[1] The University is South Carolina's top-rated university according to evaluations conducted by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. The University has been rated by the commission as "substantially exceeding standards" every year since that classification was created in 2003. The University was also named by the John Templeton Foundation as a University that "encourages character development".[2]

Contents

[edit] History

Winthrop was founded in 1886 in Columbia, SC by then Columbia superintendent of schools David Bancroft Johnson as a normal school (a teacher training college), for the purpose of helping train teachers for the city school system. The founding class of 21 women met in a one-room building in Columbia. In 1895, Winthrop moved to its permanent home in Rock Hill.[3]

The name "Winthrop" comes from the man who made the first contribution of $1,500 - Massachusetts philanthropist Robert C. Winthrop; enough to rent the original one-room building. It was integrated in 1964 and became a co-ed institution in 1974.

Winthrop has undergone several name changes through its history. Originally called the Winthrop Training School in 1886, it was called the South Carolina Industrial and Winthrop Normal College in 1891, the Winthrop Normal and Industrial College of South Carolina in 1893, Winthrop College (The South Carolina College for Women) in 1920, Winthrop College in 1974, and Winthrop University in 1992.[4] While the school now has a large variety of majors, it is still widely known for the quality of teachers that train and get their degree there.

[edit] Campus

Tillman Hall
Tillman Hall

The University's campus is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in one of that city's five historic districts and many of Winthrop's buildings are on the National Historic Register.[5]

Winthrop's campus is divided into two distinct areas: The main campus which houses the academic buildings, dormitories, library and student center and the larger Recreational and Research Complex located approximately one mile northeast of the main campus.

Winthrop's main campus has seen extensive development during the last decade. A new $12 million Life Science Building opened in 1999.[6] The Courtyard at Winthrop, which features apartment style residences for students, opened in 2003.[7] The Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center which was opened in 2007 and serves as the new home of the University's physical education department and intramural sports.[8]

In addition to hosting the University's intercollegiate athletic facilities, the Recreational and Research Complex also hosts the Piedmont Wetlands Research Project, a golf course (open to faculty, students and alumni), and a world-class disc golf course (which has been the site of the United States Disc Golf Championship every year since its inception in 1999[9])

Winthrop's campus has served as the location for numerous movies, television and other video productions, including: the films Asylum and The Rage: Carrie 2. Additionally, the Winthrop Coliseum hosted numerous television tapings of various syndicated WCW and NWA television shows in the 1980s and 1990's.

Ninety (90%) percent of freshman and Forty-two (42%) percent of all undergraduate students live on-campus.[10]

[edit] Academics

The University grants undergraduate degrees through four colleges: The College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, The Richard W. Riley College of Education and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. In all the University offers 37 undergraduate and 25 graduate degrees.

According to the University, "(i)n addition to full institutional accreditation, the university has achieved 100 percent national accreditation in all eligible programs." Currently, the student-faculty ratio is 15:1.[11]

[edit] Faculty

The University currently employs 273 full-time and 270 part-time faculty members; 61 of whom are classified as minorities and 299 of whom are women. Of the 543 faculty members, 277 has earned their terminal degree, 197 have a non-terminal Master's degree and 37 have a non-terminal Bachelor's degree.[12]

The University currently has 298 employees who earn $50,000 or more per year (and are thus publicly disclosed pursuant to the state's Freedom of Information Act).[13]

[edit] Undergraduate Studies

The University offers the following undergraduate degrees:[14]

In addition, the University offers the following pre-professional programs: pre-dentistry, pre-engineering, pre-law, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy and pre-veterinary science.

[edit] Graduate Studies

The University offers over 40 graduate programs which are coordinated through the University's Office of Graduate Studies.[15]All post-graduate degrees offered by the University are on the Master's level. The University offers the following graduate degrees:[16]

  • College of Arts and Sciences
    • Master of Arts
      • English, History, and Spanish.
    • Master of Liberal Arts
    • Master of Science
    • Master of Social Work
      • Social Work
    • Specialist in School Psychology
      • School Psychology
        • In addition, the College offers a certificate program in Gerontology and Human Nutrition.
  • College of Business
    • Master of Business Administration
      • Business Administration (with emphasis in Accounting, Executive program, Finance, International Business or Software Project Management.
        • In addition, the College offers a certificate program in Software Project Management
  • The Richard W. Riley College of Education
    • Master of Arts in Teaching
      • Education (with emphasis in Art, Biology, Business/Marketing, English, French, Family and Consumer Sciences, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Social Studies and Spanish).
    • Master of Education
      • Counseling and Development, Curriculum and Instruction, Education Leadership, Middle Level Education, Reading and Special Education.
    • Master of Science
      • Physical Education
  • College of Visual and Performing Arts
    • Master of Arts
      • Arts Administration and Art Education.
    • Master of Fine Art
      • Art and Design.
    • Master of Music
    • Master of Music Education
      • Music Education.

[edit] Cost

Winthrop's tuition for the 2006-07 academic year is $16,150 per year for out-of-state undergraduate students and $8756 for in-state undergraduate students. Room and board is currently $5352. Four-thousand five-hundred eighty-seven (4,587) undergraduate students currently receive some form of financial aid.[17]

[edit] Rankings

Winthrop has been ranked in numerous college rankings. In 2007, it was named one of the top ten regional public universities in the south.[18] It has routinely been ranked by US News, Consumer Reports, Barron's Best Buys and the Princeton Review as one of the best values in higher education. In 2006, it was ranked the 8th best Public University in the Southeast by US News and World Report.[19]

[edit] Student Population

The University comprises 6,292 students.[1] Students come from 44 states and 45 countries.[20] As of 2003, the average age of an undergraduate student was 21.4 years, while the average age of a graduate student was 34.4 years.[citation needed]

Of the student population, 5,111 are undergraduate students while 1,181 are graduate students. The University has 1,424 male students and 3,197 female students. The University has 1,409 African-American students, 23 Native American students, 69 Asian students, 79 Hispanic students and 3424 non-Hispanic white students. Seventy-four (74%) of 2005 freshman returned in 2006.[1]

The University's average class size is 17 to 26 students, with freshman classes averaging 23 students. All freshman and second-year students are required to live on campus, unless they live at home with their parents or legal guardians.[20] However it has recently been discovered that simply having a parent or guardian sign the lease for off campus housing will allow any student to live off campus even if the student in question is a freshman or second-year student.

There are over 100 international students at Winthrop doing their undergraduate and graduate studies.

[edit] Student Life

Winthrop's Dinkins Student Union Program Board has been ranked the best Program Board in the nation three times for the quality and variety of programming, including both lecturers and entertainers. The trade publication Campus Activities Magazine has named the university as having the “Best Campus Program” in the nation three times: 1995, 2002 and 2004. Winthrop is the only university in the nation to be on the ballot every year since this award was inaugurated in 1995.[2]

In addition to completing the academic requirements of their chosen degree, full-time Winthrop undergraduates, in order to graduate, are required to attend three cultural events for every 20 semester hours.[21] The university maintains an extensive calendar of events that qualify as being "cultural events".[1]

Cultural events are typically on a wide variety of subjects, and have included in the past:

  • Films (both in English and foreign languages)
  • Plays
  • Concerts (Chamber, Orchestral, and on the university's Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ)
  • Sculpture and art exhibitions
  • Technology Lectures

The university has over 150 student organizations. It has eight campus ministries, seven club sports teams, 14 clubs associated with an academic department, 17 Greek organizations, 21 Honor Societies, 54 special interest clubs and groups, 18 professional groups, 10 non-ministry religious groups and nine residence hall councils.[22]

In addition, the university hosts many events that are available free of charge or at a reduced rate for full-time students. Events typically include concerts, shows, comedy routines and other forms of student-oriented entertainment. One of these events is the annual Big Man on Campus Pagaent, an all-male beauty contest to raise money for the speech and hearing impaired. Different student organizations, historically Greek, sponsor contestants.

[edit] Athletics

The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes on the Division 1 level. Additionally, Winthrop University President Anthony DiGiorgio serves on the Board of Directors of the NCAA.[23]

Winthrop is a charter member of the Big South Conference.[24] Winthrop's teams are known as the Eagles and their colors are garnet and gold.[25]

The university sponsors 15 intercollegiate teams (7 Men's and 8 Women's) in the sports of baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and track on the Men's side, and basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and volleyball on the Women's side.[25]

The university has labeled itself, "The Campus of Champions," as its intercollegiate athletic teams have experienced success in recent years. Specifically, the University has won numerous Big South Conference championships in the following sports: Baseball (3 since 1995), Men's Basketball (8 since 1988), Men's Cross Country (2 since 2000), Men's Soccer (2 since 2002), Men's Tennis (4 since 1997), Women's Tennis (10 since 1994), Softball (3 since 1989) and Women's Volleyball (4 since 2002).[25]

[edit] Facilities

At the heart of the University's athletic facilities is the Winthrop Coliseum. In addition to serving as the home venue of the Men's and Women's basketball and volleyball teams, the University's athletic department offices are located in the Coliseum. The arena features 6,100 permanent seats and hosts numerous non-University shows and events in addition to Winthrop athletic contests.[26] The Coliseum also served as the temporary practice site of the NFL's Carolina Panthers until completion of the team's facilities in Charlotte.[27]

The Winthrop baseball team plays in the Winthrop Ballpark, a multi-million dollar 1,989-seat baseball stadium which opened in 2003. Currently, the facility is undergoing a major upgrade with the construction of permanent locker rooms, team offices and batting cages.[28]

Opened in 2005, the university's track and field teams compete on the $2.8 million Irwin Belk Track Complex. The facility hosts numerous Division 1 meets.[29]

The university's soccer teams compete at the recently completed Winthrop Soccer Complex. The facility, considered by many to be one of the top intercollegiate facilities in the country, features 1,800 permanent seats, a press box, field house and a Daktronics LCD scoreboard. In addition, the playing field is a Tifway 419 hybrid Bermuda grass with Eagle Blend and Sun Star.[30]

The softball team competes at the Winthrop Softball Complex which opened in 2001. The facility includes four fields, locker rooms and an indoor batting cage.[31].

The tennis teams compete at the Winthrop Tennis Complex which opened in 2003. The complex includes 12 lighted courts, seating for 300 and a club house with public restroom facilities, locker rooms and offices.[32]

[edit] Men's Basketball

Main article: Winthrop Eagles men's basketball

Perhaps the University's most well-known athletic team is the Men's basketball team which has earned a berth in eight NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournaments since 1999. Additionally, they have won the Big South Conference Championship in 1988, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.[33]

On March 5, 2007 the Winthrop Eagles Men's Basketball team was ranked in the Top 25 of both major college basketball polls for the first time in school history.[34] The Eagles ranked #22 in the USA TODAY/ESPN Top 25 poll and #24 on the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll. Later that spring on March 16, 2007 the Winthrop Eagles defeated Notre Dame for the first NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament win in school history.[35]

6 of the 8 Men's Basketball team's championships and national rankings came during Gregg Marshall's tenure as head coach. Marshall left Winthrop to become the head coach at Wichita State University. Marshall's assistant at Winthrop, Randy Peele, was named as Marshall's successor, and led the Eagles to their most recent Big South Championship in 2008 and subsequent 14 seed in the NCAA tournament[36]

[edit] Notable Alumni

Others

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e Common Data Set 2006-07, Part B: ENROLLMENT AND PERSISTENCE (pdf). Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  2. ^ a b Institutional Achievements. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  3. ^ General Information, History. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  4. ^ The Winthrop Name. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  5. ^ Welcome to the Winthrop Virtual Tour!. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  6. ^ Master of Science in Biology. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  7. ^ Courtyard at Winthrop. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  8. ^ Peabody Gymnasium. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  9. ^ Tournament History. United States Disc Golf Championship. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  10. ^ Common Data Set 2006-07, Part B: STUDENT LIFE (pdf). Wintrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  11. ^ Academics. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  12. ^ Common Data Set 2006-07, Part I: INSTRUCTIONAL FACULTY AND CLASS SIZE (pdf). Wintrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  13. ^ State Salary Database. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  14. ^ Degree Programs (Majors). Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  15. ^ Academics. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  16. ^ Graduate Degree Programs. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  17. ^ Common Data Set 2006-07, Part G: ANNUAL EXPENSES (htm). Wintrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  18. ^ 2006-07 Accomplishments and Awards. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  19. ^ Winthrop University Listed Among Best Southeastern Public Universities In US News "America's Best Colleges". Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  20. ^ a b Frequently Asked Questions. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  21. ^ The Cultural Events Requirement. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  22. ^ Clubs & Organizations. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  23. ^ Dr. Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio, President. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  24. ^ Big South Conference History. Big South Conference. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  25. ^ a b c Winthrop Athletics. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  26. ^ Winthrop Coliseum. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  27. ^ Carolina Panthers History. National Football League. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  28. ^ Winthrop's New Ballpark Is A 'Jewel'. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  29. ^ The Irwin Belk Track. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  30. ^ Winthrop University Soccer Complex. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  31. ^ Winthrop Softball Complex. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  32. ^ Winthrop Tennis Complex. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  33. ^ Men's Basketball. Winthrop University. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  34. ^ "Winthrop Cracks The Top 25 In Men's Basketball National Rankings", Winthrop University, 2007-03-05. Retrieved on 2007-07-27. 
  35. ^ "Winthrop Upsets No. 6 Seed Notre Dame 74-64 In NCAA First Round", Winthrop University, 2007-03-16. Retrieved on 2007-07-27. 
  36. ^ "Peele Takes Over After Four Years As Assistant Coach", Winthrop University, 2007-03-16. Retrieved on 2007-07-27. 
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Big South Conference

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