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Wingate University

Wingate, NC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Faith, Knowledge, Service

1896
Founded
Private university
Type
2,462
Total Students
2,673
Undergrad
784
Graduate
$138M
Endowment
$40K
Tuition (In-State)
$40K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
85%
Acceptance Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
6-year
67%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Rhett Brown

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

About Wingate University

Wingate University: A century of transformation guided by Faith, Knowledge, and Service.

Wingate University stands as a testament to resilience and growth, evolving from a small local school into a dynamic private university dedicated to its motto: Faith, Knowledge, Service. With a vibrant community of over 3,400 students, Wingate is celebrated for its commitment to comprehensive education and its progressive approach to higher learning. Prospective students will find a welcoming environment focused on personal and academic development, fostering leaders equipped for a changing world.

The university's rich history began in 1896 as The Wingate School, established by local Baptist associations to fill a critical need for education. Over decades, it navigated significant challenges, including the Great Depression and the loss of its administration building to fire in 1932. Through the dedication of its faculty and supporters, and a post-WWII enrollment boom, it transformed into Wingate Junior College and later, a four-year institution, Wingate College. This journey culminated in 1995 with its designation as Wingate University, signifying its expanded academic offerings, particularly in graduate studies. While the university acknowledges the complex history behind its name, it continues to focus on its future, building on a foundation of steadfast commitment to its mission.

Today, Wingate University distinguishes itself with a diverse array of academic programs, including robust graduate offerings that address critical professional needs. Its commitment to specialized education is evident in its Hendersonville, NC campus, which hosts advanced programs in pharmacy and physician assistant studies. This expansion reflects Wingate's forward-thinking approach to preparing students for high-demand careers. The university, now autonomous from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina since 2009, continues to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and service, providing a supportive and engaging environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1896 as The Wingate School, evolving into a comprehensive private university.
  • Serves over 3,400 undergraduate and graduate students with a strong focus on student success.
  • Guided by the enduring motto: Faith, Knowledge, Service, shaping its educational philosophy.
  • Features a Hendersonville, NC campus dedicated to specialized graduate programs in pharmacy and physician assistant studies.
  • Holds a substantial endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its educational mission and future growth.
  • Achieved accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1952, affirming its academic quality.

Timeline

1896
Founded as The Wingate School by Baptist Associations of Union and Chesterfield Counties.
1923
Began offering baccalaureate education, becoming Wingate Junior College.
1932
Administration building destroyed by fire during the Great Depression.
1952
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
1977
Became a four-year institution, Wingate College.
1995
Elevated to university status, becoming Wingate University, reflecting expanded graduate programs.
2007
Began the process of separating from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
2009
Gained autonomy from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
2021
Publicly acknowledged Washington Manly Wingate's history as a slaveowner and announced plans to address his past.
🏛️
130 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Wingate University

💊

Graduate Program in Pharmacy

Offered at the Hendersonville, NC campus, providing advanced education for aspiring pharmacists.

🎓

Graduate Program in Physician Assistant Studies

Located at the Hendersonville, NC campus, preparing students for careers as physician assistants.

Leadership

Rhett Brown
President
Laura Hunt
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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