Limestone completed its two-year drive towards university status today when the college officially changed its name to Limestone University.
The name change occurs as Limestone prepares to celebrate its 175th anniversary this fall.
Founded in 1845 as an all women’s college, Limestone has evolved over the years to serve nontraditional students such as working adults through evening and online courses. Faculty task forces established by president Dr. Darrell Parker when he arrived in January of 2018 recommended the school change its name to a university.
“The move from a college to a university more accurately reflects who we are, affirms our strategic direction and positions us for longterm success,” Parker said. “There have been vast changes in student population and demands over the past several years and we must adapt our programs and services to the needs of our students. Our move to a university aligns our name with our academic offerings and enables us to attract and recruit more students.”
Limestone and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) announced an agreement in December to ensure future opportunities for Limestone students to enter medical school. The new partnership provides Limestone premedical students with a guaranteed admissions interview as well as access to early admission into VCOM in Spartanburg.
Limestone’s Curtis Administration building now reflects the school’s transition to Limestone University. The name change occurs as Limestone prepares to celebrate its 175th anniversary this fall. When Limestone is in session, the population in Gaffney grows by approximately 10%. Last fall, the college welcomed international students from 28 countries and had students from 33 different states across the country. (Ledger photo / ABBIE SOSSAMON)
Limestone has several former students who have graduated from VCOM and are now practicing physicians.
Limestone started offering graduate school programs in 2011 starting with a Master of Business Administration program. Four years later, Limestone added a healthcare administration concentration to its MBA program and will offer a Master of Social Work degree this fall. A master’s degree in athletic training is in the planning stages.
Limestone and Gaffney have grown side by side since the college was founded as one of the first women’s colleges in the country. Work is currently underway on a new $18 million Limestone library and student center, which is scheduled for completion in spring of 2021.
Limestone has a $100 million economic impact on Cherokee County which includes direct spending on goods and services locally and money spent by students and visitors.
Fullerton Foundation has supported Limestone since the nonprofit started in 1954.
“We share in the community’s pride as Limestone transitions from a college to university. Already an invaluable economic engine for Cherokee County, Limestone University tells the world the true picture of all this institution has to offer,” Fullerton Foundation executive director Chris Steed said. “Not just a small liberal arts college but a university with a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs preparing students to be leaders in their chosen profession. July 1st is a day of celebration…for Limestone and for our shared community.”
When Limestone is in session, the population in Gaffney grows by approximately 10%. Last fall, the college welcomed international students from 28 countries and had students from 33 different states across the country.
“Limestone College does so many wonderful things for the City of Gaffney,” city council member Kim Phillips said. “Limestone students, their families and friends, and visiting athletic teams frequent restaurants, hotels and shop here. When Limestone grows, the City of Gaffney grows. We have long had an excellent partnership with Limestone and look forward to their future growth as Limestone University.”
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