Rhodes College history

Originally known as the Masonic University of Tennessee, the institution was renamed Stewart College in 1850 in honor of its president, William M. Stewart.

In 1855, control of the university passed to the Presbyterian Church, and it was renamed Stewart College in honor of its president and benefactor, William M. Stewart.

However, renewed support from the Presbyterian Church gave the college new life, leading Stewart College to be renamed Southwestern Presbyterian University in 1879.

In 1945, the college adopted its penultimate name Southwestern at Memphis in order to distinguish itself from other colleges and universities containing the name "Southwestern."

The first class, representing 49 nursing students, enrolled at the Lima Technical Center in September 1969.

Finally, in 1984, the college′s name was changed to Rhodes College to honor former college president, and Diehl′s successor, Peyton Nalle Rhodes.

In 1991, separations occurred between LTC and OSU-L. LTC hired its own CEO as President, and OSU-L hired its own Dean/Director.

Established in 2016, the Public History Concentration at Rhodes College provides History majors who earn a BA with specialized training and experience in Public History.

In July 2017, Doctor Marjorie Hass began her tenure as the 20th president of Rhodes College, as the college's first female president.

Rhodes is profiled in The Princeton Review’s popular college guide, The Best 384 Colleges: 2019 Edition, and ranks No.

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