Rhodes College

Rhodes College offers a distinctive liberal arts and sciences education rooted in an innovative Oxford-Cambridge style tutorial system. From its humble beginnings as Montgomery Academy in 1830s Clarksville, Tennessee, the institution persevered through the American Civil War and subsequent periods of rebuilding. A pivotal transformation began in the early 20th century under President Charles E. Diehl, who introduced coeducation, an honor code, and a faculty steeped in Oxbridge teaching methods. This commitment to individualized learning, where students engage in deep study with their professors, remains a cornerstone of the Rhodes academic experience.

The college’s journey continued with its landmark relocation to Memphis in 1925, a move that spurred significant growth in enrollment and financial support. Under President Peyton N. Rhodes, the college expanded its campus, welcomed its first Black students, and saw its endowment flourish to over $14 million. Today, Rhodes College is celebrated for its more than 50 majors and interdisciplinary programs, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

Students at Rhodes benefit from an engaging academic environment that combines rigorous coursework with strong community ties. The college leverages its Memphis location, partnering with numerous local institutions to offer invaluable research, service, and internship opportunities. This blend of historic tradition, academic innovation, and real-world engagement prepares graduates for impactful futures, all within a vibrant and supportive campus community that, in 2017, celebrated the appointment of its first female president.