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Centenary College of Louisiana

Shreveport, LA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Labor Omnia Vincit (Latin)(Work Conquers All)

1825
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
615
Total Students
705
Undergrad
33
Graduate
$155M
Endowment
$40K
Tuition (In-State)
$40K
Tuition (Out-State)
$25K
Avg Net Price
54%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Christopher L. Holoman

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

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College: Louisiana's oldest, a liberal arts pioneer west of the Mississippi.

Discover Centenary College of Louisiana, the state's oldest college and the nation's oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1825, Centenary offers a rich academic heritage rooted in a commitment to a comprehensive liberal arts education. Under the leadership of President Christopher L. Holoman, this private institution continues its legacy of fostering intellectual growth and community engagement.

Centenary's journey began with the College of Louisiana at Jackson in 1825, later merging with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South's Centenary College in 1845. This union forged the institution we know today, eventually settling in Shreveport in 1908. The original Jackson campus now stands as a protected Centenary State Historic Site, a testament to its foundational role in Louisiana's educational landscape.

After its move to Shreveport, Centenary experienced significant growth, earning accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1925. The college gained national recognition for its spirited football program, famously besting formidable teams like LSU and Texas A&M. The inspiring Centenary College Choir, formed in 1941, has since captivated audiences through national and international tours, showcasing the college's vibrant arts scene. Following World War II, the campus underwent extensive development, adding modern dormitories, academic buildings, and cultural facilities to enrich the student experience.

Key Highlights

  • Louisiana's oldest college, chartered in 1825.
  • Nation's oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River.
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1925.
  • Home to the Centenary College Choir, established in 1941, known for national and international tours.
  • Historically recognized for its strong football program, with victories over major university teams.
  • Original campus in Jackson, Louisiana, is preserved as a Centenary State Historic Site.
  • Stewards an endowment of $0.2 billion.

Timeline

1825
The College of Louisiana at Jackson was chartered.
1839
Centenary College was established in Mississippi by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
1845
Centenary College purchased the College of Louisiana facility and moved to Jackson.
1846
The institution was renamed Centenary College of Louisiana.
1861
College suspended due to the American Civil War.
1908
Centenary College officially opened its new campus in Shreveport, Louisiana.
1925
Received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
1941
The Centenary College Choir was formed.
1942
Acquired Dodd College, which served as a pre-flight training facility for air force cadets.
🏛️
201 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Christopher L. Holoman
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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