Le Moyne-Owen College

Memphis, TN

private nonprofitHBCUbachelors

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Quick Facts

“"Gubernatio. Opportunitas. Inclino."”("Leadership. Opportunity. Change.")

1968

Founded

Private, HBCU

Type

571

Total Students

$52M

Endowment

(2020)

$12K

Tuition (In-State)

$12K

Tuition (Out-State)

$9K

Avg Net Price

97%

Acceptance Rate

25%

Graduation Rate

6-year

60%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

President: Christopher B. Davis (interim)

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

About Le Moyne-Owen College

A resilient HBCU shaping futures in Memphis, anchored by a powerful history and transformative growth.

Le Moyne-Owen College stands as a vibrant, private Historically Black College and University (HBCU) nestled in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. With an intimate student body of 609, it fosters a close-knit academic community dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities. The college lives its motto, "Gubernatio. Opportunitas. Inclino." (Governance. Opportunity. Inclination.), by empowering its students to become leaders and make meaningful contributions to society.

Its history is a powerful testament to resilience and unwavering commitment to education. Founded in 1862 as the LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School for free blacks and escaped slaves during the Civil War, it faced immense challenges, including being destroyed during the 1866 white race riots. Yet, it was swiftly rebuilt and continued its mission, evolving from an elementary school to a junior college and eventually becoming a four-year institution in 1930. This journey showcases an enduring spirit dedicated to advancing education for African Americans.

The college as we know it today was formed in 1968 through the impactful merger of LeMoyne College and Owen College, uniting two historically significant institutions. Despite facing accreditation challenges in 2007, the college demonstrated its community value, receiving substantial support from the City of Memphis and other pledges. Most notably, 2020 marked a transformative moment with a $40 million pledge from the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, quadrupling its endowment and securing a bright, opportunity-filled future for its students and the community it serves.

Key Highlights

✦A proud, private Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Memphis, Tennessee.
✦Founded in 1862 as LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School, dedicated to educating free blacks and escaped slaves.
✦Demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebuilding after being destroyed in 1866 race riots.
✦Its endowment quadrupled to a "transformative" $40 million in 2020, the largest donation in its history.
✦Home to 609 students, fostering a close-knit and supportive academic community.
✦Steele Hall, the first building on the current campus, and the core of the campus are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Timeline

1862

LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School founded at Camp Shiloh for free blacks and escaped slaves.

1866

School destroyed during white race riots following the withdrawal of federal troops.

1867

School rebuilt and reopened with 150 students and six teachers.

1871

School opens in a new building and is named LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School after Francis Julius LeMoyne's donation.

1914

School moves to its present site on Walker Avenue; Steele Hall, the first building on the new campus, is erected.

1930

LeMoyne becomes a four-year college after developing a comprehensive curriculum.

1968

LeMoyne–Owen College is formed through the merger of LeMoyne College and Owen College.

2007

Receives a $3 million pledge from the City of Memphis, along with other substantial donations, to address financial challenges and reaffirm accreditation.

2020

Receives a $40 million pledge from the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, quadrupling its endowment and marking the largest donation in its history.

🏛️

58 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Christopher B. Davis (interim)

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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