Columbia College - NAS Jacksonville

Columbia College - NAS Jacksonville is part of an institution with a profound historical legacy, established in 1851 as a private college. This enduring commitment to education has shaped its journey, now serving a significant student body of 6,046 under the leadership of President Toby Arquette. Its roots trace back to a groundbreaking endeavor in higher education.

From its inception as the Christian Female College, Columbia College marked a significant milestone, becoming the first women's college west of the Mississippi River to be chartered by a state legislature. Early student life in 1851 was rigorous and comprehensive, beginning with morning walks and worship, followed by classes that stretched into the late afternoon. Students would then engage in daily compositions, chores, and evening Bible lectures, immersing themselves in a curriculum that included arithmetic, ancient history, grammar, ancient geography, philosophy, the five books of Moses, and composition.

Despite starting classes in an unfinished mansion, the college quickly established itself. By 1852, it formally dedicated its campus on the estate of Dr. James Bennett, solidifying its presence. This period of rapid growth saw the student population reach 150, including 85 boarders, by 1856. Columbia College continues to build on this pioneering spirit, offering an educational experience informed by a legacy of dedication and academic pursuit, while embracing its motto: "Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine."