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Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Truth, Beauty, Goodness

Wikipedia
1851
Founded
Private university
Type
200 acres
Campus
1,374
Total Students
1,669
Undergrad
1,066
Graduate
$76M
Endowment
(2024)
$35K
Tuition (In-State)
$35K
Tuition (Out-State)
$19K
Avg Net Price
68%
Acceptance Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
6-year
74%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Charles Fowler

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Carson-Newman University

Carson-Newman: A pioneering coeducational Christian university fostering truth, beauty, and goodness.

Carson-Newman University, established in 1851, stands as a vibrant private Christian institution rooted in the motto "Truth, Beauty, Goodness." With a rich history as one of the South's earliest coeducational colleges, C-N offers a distinctive educational experience that blends academic rigor with a commitment to faith-based values. Located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, it serves a diverse student body, fostering an environment where individuals can grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally.

What began as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary evolved through significant milestones. After becoming Carson College, it made history in 1889 by uniting with Newman College, becoming a trailblazer in coeducation in the Southern United States. This pioneering spirit continued through its official affiliation with the Tennessee Baptist Convention in 1919, solidifying its Christian foundation. Over the decades, C-N has continuously adapted and expanded, including participation in the V-12 Navy College Training Program during WWII and its transformation into a university in 2012 to reflect its organizational growth.

Carson-Newman offers an engaging academic journey, recognized by national rankings such as U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly. Beyond the classroom, students benefit from a campus designed for thriving, including the serene Allen and Phyllis Morgan East Campus, featuring a revitalized Mossy Creek and a modern 250-seat open-air amphitheater completed in 2019. Under the leadership of President Charles Fowler, C-N remains dedicated to providing a supportive, community-focused environment where students are prepared to lead purposeful lives.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1851 as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary.
  • Pioneered coeducation in the South by uniting Carson College and Newman College in 1889.
  • Officially affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention since 1919.
  • Participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II.
  • Ranked 361 (tie) of 394 national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Features the Allen and Phyllis Morgan East Campus with a revitalized Mossy Creek and a 250-seat open-air amphitheater.
  • A private Christian university committed to its founding motto: "Truth, Beauty, Goodness."

Timeline

1851
Established and chartered as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary.
1880
Renamed Carson College for James Harvey Carson.
1889
United with Newman College, becoming one of the first coeducational institutions in the South.
1919
Became officially affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention.
1927
Admitted to membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
WWII
Participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program.
2012
The institution's name changed from Carson-Newman College to Carson-Newman University.
2015
Received a Title IX exemption to maintain its status as a private Christian institution.
2019
Completed construction on a 250-seat open-air amphitheater on the East Campus.
2019
Charles A. Fowler appointed as the 23rd president of the university.
🏛️
175 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Charles Fowler
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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