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Guilford College

Greensboro, NC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Sapientium atque virtutum molior(I am striving for wisdom and virtue)

1837
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
340 acres
Campus
1,011
Total Students
$93M
Endowment
(2021)
$41K
Tuition (In-State)
$41K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
84%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
6-year
66%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Jean Parvin Bordewich (acting){{cite web |url=https://www.diverseeducation.com/faculty-staff/article/15711330/guilford-college-president-steps-down-amid-financial-challenges |title=Guilford College President Steps Down Amid Financial Challenges

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

About Guilford College

Guilford College: A historic Quaker liberal arts institution fostering wisdom, virtue, and social justice.

Guilford College, nestled in Greensboro, North Carolina, offers a distinctive liberal arts education deeply rooted in Quaker principles. Established in 1837, it holds the unique distinction as the only Quaker-founded college in the southeastern United States and the first co-ed institution in the South. Students at Guilford engage with a curriculum that emphasizes peace, justice, and community, directly reflecting its historical values.

The college’s 340-acre suburban campus is not just a place of learning; it's a living piece of history. Recognized as a National Historic District since 1990, the campus includes the significant New Garden woods, once a vital meeting point for the Underground Railroad, led by abolitionist Levi Coffin, who grew up on this very land. This rich legacy imbues programs like Peace and Conflict Studies and Community and Justice Studies with profound relevance, preparing students to be thoughtful leaders and changemakers.

Guilford College provides a comprehensive academic experience for both traditional undergraduates and those in its Center for Continuing Education. Despite recent financial challenges that led to a period of accreditation probation, the college has demonstrated resilience, significantly restructuring and increasing fundraising to reinforce its commitment to its enduring mission. With a dedication to "striving for wisdom and virtue," Guilford cultivates an environment where students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1837 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), it's the only Quaker-founded college in the southeastern U.S.
  • Pioneering institution: the first co-ed college in the South.
  • The 340-acre suburban campus is recognized as a U.S. National Historic District since 1990.
  • Offers distinctive academic programs like Peace and Conflict Studies and Community and Justice Studies, rooted in its Quaker heritage.
  • Supports a student body of 1,429, encompassing traditional students and those in its Center for Continuing Education.
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Timeline

1837
Founded as New Garden Boarding School by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
1888
Renamed Guilford College, becoming a four-year liberal arts institution.
1990
Campus recognized as a U.S. National Historic District by the Department of the Interior.
2020
Faced significant financial challenges, leading to a program prioritization process and a faculty vote of no confidence.
2021
Initiated a major fundraising effort, successfully pausing earlier layoff plans.
2022
Kyle Farmbry became Guilford's 10th president.
2023
Placed on probation by its accreditor, SACSCOC, due to ongoing financial challenges.
2024
Probation extended; President Farmbry resigned, and Jean Parvin Bordewich was appointed acting president.
One year later (post-2024)
SACSCOC removed the institution's probationary status following significant cost reductions and increased fundraising.
🏛️
189 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Jean Parvin Bordewich (acting){{cite web |url=https://www.diverseeducation.com/faculty-staff/article/15711330/guilford-college-president-steps-down-amid-financial-challenges |title=Guilford College President Steps Down Amid Financial Challenges
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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