Profiling Lander University

Lander University is a state supported four year institution in Greenwood, South Carolina. The regional university was founded in 1872 as Williamston Female College, a private institution in Williamston, South Carolina. After the college moved to Greenwood, it was renamed in 1904 after its founder, Samuel Lander. Men were first admitted to the college in 1943. Today the campus occupies 123 acres and has a mix of older and newer buildings. Many of the university’s facilities have been upgraded or expanded in recent years.

The university enrollment is 3,000 undergraduate students, with an average class size of 22. The small class size and low student/ instructor ratio gives the institution the feel of a small private college. Lander University has undergraduate degree programs in 60 academic areas. Major areas of concentration and study include biology, chemistry, business administration, computer information systems, early childhood education, elementary education, special education, English, music, nursing, political science, and visual arts. There is a dual engineering degree program with Clemson University. Lander University offers a number of pre-professional programs including pre-law, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-physical therapy, and pre-occupational therapy. A criminal justice management degree is available as an online program. Three Masters Degree programs are offered at Lander University. The Masters programs that can be earned are a Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education, a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, and a Master of Education in Montessori Education. Lander University is the only institution in South Carolina offering undergraduate and graduate programs leading to a national certification in Montessori Education.

Students at Lander University may become involved in more than 60 clubs and organizations on campus. Available choices include academic organizations, honor societies, fraternities, sororities, professional organizations, theater and musical groups, student government, religious organizations, social groups, and intramural sports teams. Lander University participates in NCAA Division II athletics. Lander Bearcat teams compete in the Peach Belt Conference with teams in golf, tennis, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The Lander men’s tennis teams have won 12 National Championships in their athletic division.

Lander University has an Equestrian Center that operates the Bearcat Therapeutic Riding Center. The university has an equestrian team that participates on both a club and a show level. All students are welcome to join the equestrian team, regardless of their level of riding experience.

The Monsanto Gallery at Lander University features the work of artists from around the Southeast. Special exhibitions are scheduled during the academic year. The gallery is open to the public Monday-Thursday from 1-8pm and Fridays from 10am-5pm.