| Tell us about your city (founding year, notable events/history, festivals, notable residents, etc.) |
Lander University is located in the city of Greenwood, South Carolina, which was founded in 1897. The main street area of Greenwood, commonly called Uptown Greenwood, is known for its eclectic assortment of chef and locally owned restaurants, unique shops and galleries. The city hosts award-winning events like the S.C. Festival of Flowers and the S.C. Festival of Discovery. The county is rich in historic sites, landmarks, parks, trails and access to fishing spots and boating on 11,000 acres of Lake Greenwood. |
| What are your school's unique traditions? |
The annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration features treats and entertainment as the school's holiday tree is illuminated for the season. |
| Tell us about your school's founding and history. |
Lander University was founded as a college for women by Methodist clergyman Samuel Lander in 1872, as Williamson Female College in Williamston, S.C. where it remained a private institution for 26 years. In 1904, the college relocated to Greenwood, S.C. and was renamed Lander College in honor of its founder. Men were admitted in 1943, and the institution is now completely coeducational.
In 1973, Lander College became a state-assisted college, governed by the State College Board of Trustees and 15 years later was governed by the Lander College Board of Trustees. In 1992, the institution became Lander University. The University has been served by twelve presidents, including the current President Richard E. Cosentino. |
| What is your school's mascot? What was it originally (if different). What is the history of the mascots you have had? |
The Bearcat has been Lander University’s mascot since 2003, when it replaced the Senator. The Lady Bearcat joined the family on Homecoming Day of 2019. |
| What awards or recognition has your school received? |
#10 Top Public Schools (Regional Colleges South)
#14 Best College for Veterans (Regional Colleges South) |
| What notable alumni has the school had? |
Chris Blair '97 (play-by-play announcer for LSU Athletics)
Darlene Goff '78 (first female general officer of the SC National Guard)
Steve Griffith '83 (actor
Jim Lander '83 (SC State Senator, former SC Comptroller General)
Wendy Lee Queen '03 (chemist and material scientist)
Miriam Stevenson '55 (Miss Universe 1953) |
| What is the mission of your institution? |
The mission of Lander University is to offer high-demand and market-driven programs to ambitious and talented students in South Carolina and beyond. These programs are delivered in a rich liberal arts environment to produce highly qualified and marketable graduates. Our vision is that all Lander graduates are educated, well rounded and prepared to continue their education or launch their careers.
Our Statement of Student Experience is that students at Lander University enjoy a comprehensive, transformative and experiential learning process that provides a broad and thorough knowledge which fosters:
- Creativity, scholarship and independent thinking.
- Effective communication, innovative problem-solving and analytical reasoning skills.
- High ethical standards and professionalism.
- Values of diversity, inclusiveness and respect for all people, cultures and perspectives.
- Community engagement, service to others and responsible citizenship. |
| What kind of community engagement activities has your school and athletic department conducted? |
Student athletes, greek life, student organizations, faculty and staff are devoted to serving the community. From providing muscle power to clean up local parks during a “Service Saturday” to collecting cans of food for the Food Bank, we help make life a little better for others. Volunteers can be found assisting local agencies with daily operations and special events. Among those assisted are Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, the Greenwood Food Bank, Bowers-Rodgers Home, Greenwood Humane Society and the Hospice House. In 2020, after researching food insecurities on college campuses and noting the level of hunger on its own campus, Lander University took action by partnering with the local food bank to create a food pantry on campus, named “Bear Necessities,” to provide food for hungry students. Faculty and staff volunteer to work in the pantry each week. |
| Any other fun facts about your school or athletic department you want to share? |
In 2019-20, Lander Athletics won the second-most home games of any NCAA Division II school. |
| What are your social media accounts? |
UNIVERSITY
Twitter: @follow_lander
Instagram: @landeruniversity
Facebook: @followlander
ATHLETICS
Twitter: @LanderAthletics
Instagram: @landerbearcats
Facebook: @LanderAthletics |