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Hendrix College

Conway, AR

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1,094
Total Students
$37K
Tuition (In-State)
$37K
Tuition (Out-State)
$23K
Avg Net Price
53%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
6-year
78%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

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

About Hendrix College

Hendrix College: A resilient institution forged through history, community, and academic spirit.

Nestled in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix College stands as a testament to enduring academic excellence and community spirit. From its humble beginnings as Central Institute in 1876, Hendrix has evolved into a distinctive liberal arts college, deeply rooted in its affiliation with the United Methodist Church since 1884. It's a place where history intertwines with a forward-looking approach, making it an engaging environment for prospective students and their families.

Throughout its history, Hendrix has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and a steadfast commitment to collegiate education. Initially designated a male college, it quickly embraced co-education, celebrating its first female collegiate graduates in 1882. The college's relocation to Conway in 1890, spurred by the town's fervent support, highlights the strong bond between the institution and its community. This early emphasis on higher learning and robust literary societies laid the groundwork for a rich academic tradition.

The college's journey has been marked by resilience, including significant mergers that have shaped its identity. From merging with Henderson-Brown College in 1929 to absorbing Galloway Woman's College in 1933 during the Great Depression, Hendrix has consistently overcome challenges, reinforcing its dedication to educational access and quality. Even a brief name change attempt to Trinity College was met with strong opposition, proving the powerful connection students, alumni, and townspeople felt for the Hendrix name.

Today, Hendrix College continues to offer an engaging and formative student experience, building on a legacy of academic rigor and a vibrant campus community. Students here become part of a story of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and an institution that has consistently put its mission of higher education first.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1876 as Central Institute, evolving into Hendrix College in 1889.
  • Deeply rooted in Methodist tradition since its purchase by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South in 1884.
  • Pioneered collegiate education for women, with its first three female graduates awarded degrees in 1882.
  • Demonstrated strong community ties, with the city of Conway raising $150,000 to retain the college in 1930.
  • Resilient history includes significant mergers with Henderson-Brown College (1929) and Galloway Woman's College (1933).
  • Transitioned from a primary school to a focused collegiate institution, discontinuing secondary education by 1925.

Timeline

1876
Founded as "Central Institute" in Altus, Arkansas.
1881
Renamed "Central Collegiate Institute" with added secondary and collegiate departments.
1882
Awarded degrees to its first three collegiate women graduates.
1884
Purchased by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, establishing its church affiliation.
1889
Renamed "Hendrix College" in honor of Rev. Eugene Russell Hendrix.
1890
Relocated to its current home in Conway, Arkansas.
1925
Discontinued secondary education to focus solely on collegiate studies.
1929
Merged with Henderson-Brown College, briefly becoming "Hendrix-Henderson College."
1933
Absorbed the financially troubled Galloway Woman's College.
2023
Dr. Karen K. Petersen became the college’s thirteenth president.

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