Before Tennessee became a state in 1796, the east Tennessee area was the southwestern frontier of the United States. Presbyterian ministers Hezekiah Balch and Samuel Doak, both educated at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), were there, ministering to early Scots-Irish settlers.
Striving to meet the settlers' educational needs, Doak founded St. Martins Academy in 1783 and it expanded to become Washington College in 1795. Washington College was later renamed "Tusculum College." Balch helped found Greenville College in 1795.
Doak and Balch sought the same goals through their separate colleges. They wanted to educate settlers of the American frontier so that they would become better Presbyterians, and therefore, in their thinking, better citizens. To better accomplish their common goals, Greeneville College and Tusculum College merged in 1868 to become Greeneville & Tusculum College.
Doak rechristened Washington College Tusculum after the homestead of Princeton University’s then-president Dr. John Witherspoon, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. The original Tusculum was a city near Rome, Italy and home to Roman scholar and philosopher Cicero. It was he who, along with others, identified the civic virtues that form the basis of civic republican tradition, which emphasizes citizens working together to form good societies that in turn foster individuals of good character.
1784 Samuel Doak establishes St. Martin's Academy (renamed Washington College Academy in 1795).
1794 Greeneville College is chartered by the General Assembly of the Territory South of the River Ohio and established by Hezekiah Balch.
1808 Hugh Brown receives first academic degree from Tusculum's predecessor, Greeneville College.
1816 Samuel Witherspoon Doak (son of Samuel Doak) founds Tusculum Academy, which operates in a log cabin adjacent to the present site of Tusculum College.
1844 Tusculum Academy renamed Tusculum College. Andrew Johnson, who later becomes the 17th President of the United States, is one of its trustees. Johnson often walked the five miles (8 km) to and from Greeneville to participate in the debating activities at Tusculum.
1860s During the Civil War, college buildings serve as barracks for soldiers.
1868 Greeneville College and Tusculum College merge to become Greeneville & Tusculum College.
1878 First female students admitted to Greeneville & Tusculum College. By the turn of the 20th century, more than half of its students are women.
1878 Student editor/printer Landon C. Haynes publishes first student newspaper, The Record, which later becomes The Pioneer; now known as The Pioneer Frontier.
1908 Merger of Washington College Academy and Tusculum College.
1912 Washington College Academy breaks away from the current Tusculum College.
1913 McCormick Day (AKA “Nettie Day”) established, a day of service on campus and the local community. Through the philanthropy of Nettie Fowler McCormick — widow of Cyrus Hall McCormick, the inventor of a notable mechanized reaper — five major buildings are added on campus.
1917 First yearbook published, known as both Tusculana and Opus.
1927 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) formally accredits Tusculum for the first time.
1950s Lantern festival begins, honoring graduating seniors and soon-to-be seniors.
1959 The city of Tusculum is established.
1984 Graduate and Professional Studies Program begins, extending learning opportunities to adult students. Originally titled Tusculum Adult Leaders Learning (TALL), the program opens satellite campuses locations throughout East Tennessee.
1991 Civic Arts core program begins.
1991 Focused (block) calendar adopted.
2016 New block calendar adopted.
Greeneville College (1794–1860)
Hezekiah Balch, D.D. 1794–1810
Charles Coffin, D.D. 1810–27
Henry Hoss 1828–36
Alfred Hoss 1836–38
James McLin, B.A. 1838–40
Samuel Matthews 1843–45
Charles Van Vlech 1845–46
John Fleming 1846–47
William B. Rankin, D.D. 1854–58
John Lampson 1859–60
Tusculum Academy (1829–68)
Samuel Doak, D.D. 1818–29
Samuel Witherspoon Doak, D.D. 1829–44
Tusculum College (1844–68)
Samuel Witherspoon Doak, D.D. 1844–64
William Stephenson Doak, D.D. 1865–68
Tusculum and Greeneville College (1868–1912)
William Stephenson Doak, D.D. (1868–82)
Alexander M. Doak (acting) 1882–83
Jeremiah Moore, D.D. 1883–1901
Samuel A. Coile, D.D. 1901–07
Charles O. Gray, D.D. 1907–12
Tusculum College (1912–present)
Charles O. Gray, D.D. 1912–31
Charles A. Anderson, D.D. 1931–42
John McSween, D.D. 1942–44
Jere A. Moore (acting) 1944–46
George K. Davies, Ph.D. 1946–50
Leslie K. Patton (acting) 1950–51
Raymond C. Rankin, D.D. 1951–65
Douglas C. Trout, Ph.D. 1965–68
Charles J. Ping (acting) 1968–69
Andrew N. Cothran, Ph.D. 1969–72
Thomas G. Voss, Ph.D. 1972–78
Earl R. Mezoff, Ed.D. 1978–88
Robert E. Knott, Ph.D. 1989–2000
Thomas J. Garland (interim) 2000
Dolphus E. Henry III, Ph.D. 2000–07†
Russell L. Nichols, Ph.D. (interim) August 2007–April 2009‡
Nancy B. Moody, DSN April 2009–present††
† The Tusculum College board of trustees placed President Dolphus Henry on paid administrative leave on 22 May 2007, following a vote of no confidence by the faculty. Two trustees with notable experience as university presidents (Drs. Edward J. Kormondy and Angelo Volpe) alternately shared leadership responsibilities until an interim president could take office. Dr. Henry announced his resignation in July 2007.
‡ Dr. Russell L. Nichols, president emeritus of Hanover College, assumed the duties of interim president on 1 August 2007.
††On 28 February 2009, the Tusculum College board of trustees elected Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Lincoln Memorial University, to be the institution's 27th president. She was scheduled to assume office on 27 April 2009.
Tusculum is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees and the Master of Arts in education and the Master of Arts in organizational management.
It also maintains institutional memberships with the American Council on Education, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association, the Tennessee State Board of Education, the Appalachian College Association, the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities, the American Association of University Women, the American Medical Association, and the New York State Board of Regents.
Majors. Tusculum College offers these main fields of specialization to its undergraduate students: Art and Design (with concentrations in Studio Art and Visual Communication), Biology (with concentrations in Environmental Science, Medical Pre-Professional and Pre-Pharmacy), Business Administration (with concentrations in General Management, Management Accounting, and Economics, Entrepreneurship, Information Technology and Nonprofit Management), Chemistry (with concentrations in Medical Pre-Professional and Pre-Pharmacy), Criminal Justice, English (with concentrations in Literature, Creative Writing, Journalism, and Professional Writing), History, Mathematics (with concentrations in Computer Science, Biology and Chemistry), Museum Studies, Nursing, Political Science, Psychology, Sports Management, and Sports Science.
Teacher licensure programs. Students seeking baccalaureate degrees in education select one of the following subfields to qualify for a state board granted license: Pre-Secondary Education (Early Childhood Education PreK–3, Elementary Education K–6), Secondary Education (Biology 7–12, English 7–12, History 7–12, Mathematics 7–12, Psychology 9–12), K–12 Education (Physical Education K–12, Visual Arts K–12), and Special Education (Special Education Modified and Comprehensive K–12, Special Education Early Childhood).
Minors. In addition to their academic majors, students at Tusculum College can also study these secondary specialties: Biology, Chemistry, Coaching, Computer Information Systems, English, Environmental Science, History, Journalism, Mass Media, Mathematics, Management, Museum Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Visual Arts, and the following minors in Education: English, History, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education, Modified & Comprehensive.
Other disciplines. Tusculum College also offers additional non-degree-conferring courses in Geography, Music, Physics, Sociology, Spanish, and Theater.
A semester at Tusculum College consists of two eight-week Focused Blocks. These extended periods are designed to allow deeper exchanges of ideas and more opportunities for each class member to participate. Faculty emphasize active engagement in their students, much in the tradition of the Socratic method.
Within the Focused Block, faculty can arrange field trips, laboratory work, and other out-of-classroom experiences that would be impossible with the conventional format. For example, recent courses have included extended trips to Belize, Costa Rica, Europe, Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C.. Dozens of other courses have included overnight or day trips as an integrated part of their curriculum.
Buildings and facilities
An asterisk (*) denotes a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Arch.* Constructed in 1917 at Tusculum College’s traditional entrance by J.T. Ponder, one of Tennessee’s foremost rock masons, using stone from the college’s own quarry. The Girl’s Glee Clubs of 1914–15 and 1915–16 donated money for the project. The arch has come to symbolize Tusculum College, and except for Old College, the Doak House, and the Shulman Center, the form is present in the architecture of every building on campus. Vicinity 36°10′30.0″N 82°45′39.1″W.
Byrd Fine Arts Center. Built in 1965 and named for Annie Hogan Byrd, this building also serves as the college chapel. Vicinity 36°10′28.5″N 82°45′32.2″W.
Charles Oliver Gray Complex. Built in 1969, the “COG” was named to honor Dr. Gray, Tusculum's president from 1907 to 1931. Renovated in 2000, it consists of three dormitory units and a classroom/office building. Each three-story dorm houses 35 students. Vicinity 36°10′21.4″N 82°45′42.7″W.
Doak House Museum.* The Rev. Samuel Witherspoon Doak built his Georgian-influenced house circa 1830. A few years after the home’s construction, its original balance and proportions were altered with the addition of an ell off the right side of the house. Samuel W. Doak and his father, the Rev. Samuel Doak, started Tusculum Academy in 1818. The Tusculum Academy building was constructed later that year. Tusculum Academy moved up the hill in 1841 to what is now “Old College.” Tusculum Academy became Tusculum College in 1844. The existing Academy building is a replica of the original Academy. Vicinity 36°10′28.0″N 82°45′53.2″W.
Garland Library.* Built in 1910, it was originally named "Carnegie Hall" for benefactor Andrew Carnegie to house the library and gymnasium. After the gymnasium was built in 1930, it was renamed the "Carnegie Library." In 1991, it was renamed in honor of Albert Columbus Tate, the 1894 Centennial class valedictorian. After extensive renovation and expansion, it was renamed on May 19, 2008 to honor former Tennessee senator Thomas J. Garland. Vicinity 36°10′27.9″N 82°45′41.5″W.
Haynes Hall.* Built in 1914 through the continued generosity of Mrs. Nettie Fowler McCormick, this building was named in honor of former Tusculum mathematics professor Landon Carter “Daddy” Haynes, who taught at the college for 65 years. This Colonial Revival building is similar to Rankin Hall in appearance, with many of the same architectural elements. Today, Haynes Hall serves as a men’s residence hall. Vicinity 36°10′24.2″N 82°45′37.1″W.
Katherine Hall. Built in 1962; renovated in 1999. The largest of six dormitories on campus, this three-story dormitory, named for Katherine Rankin, houses 140 students. Vicinity 36°10′24.6″N 82°45′31.5″W.
Mastrapasqua Hall, et al. Built in 2002 with two additional buildings added in 2013, these three-story apartment-style dormitories each house 48 students. Called “The Apartments” collectively, unit “A” was renamed Mastrapasqua Hall in 2003 in honor of trustee Frank Mastrapasqua. The remaining three units simply remain Apartments “B,” “C,” and “D,” "E," and "F." Vicinity 36°10′20.1″N 82°45′47.2″W.
McCormick Hall.* Named after Cyrus McCormick, the inventor of the mechanical reaper, this building was constructed in 1887 using funds donated by Mrs. Nettie Fowler McCormick, Mr. McCormick’s widow. Many architectural features of the Romanesque period can be seen in this building, including arches, a bell tower, and hipped roof. McCormick Hall now houses Tusculum’s administrative offices and Tusculum’s historic bell, which once rang proudly aboard the U.S.S. Wyalusing, a Civil War fighting vessel, and continues to ring just as proudly to this day. Vicinity 36°10′26.5″N 82°45′38.9″W.
Nichols Tennis Complex. Built in 1992 and named to honor Roger M. Nichols. Vicinity 36°10′19.8″N 82°45′33.4″W.
Niswonger Commons. Built in 1999 and named for trustee and benefactor Scott M. Niswonger, this structure replaced the Simerly Union Building, which was erected in 1970. The new facility houses a full-service post office; a cafeteria, operated by Sodexho; the bookstore; the Pioneer Perk student coffeehouse; the student radio station, WTPL (610 AM); the student TV studio, WTCV; a 24-hour computer laboratory; the campus safety office; classrooms; and various offices for faculty and staff. Additionally, the Commons features a gymnasium-swimming pool complex that incorporates the 2,000-seat Alpine Arena and a weight room/fitness center. Vicinity 36°10′20.4″N 82°45′38.0″W.
President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library.* Completed in 1841 to accommodate growth in student enrollment and known affectionately as “Old College,” this was the first building built on Tusculum’s campus. Andrew Johnson, the nation’s 17th President, donated $20 towards its construction. Johnson practiced debating here early in his career and later served as a trustee of the college. Major renovations in 1993 restored the museum and library to its original appearance. Today, it houses the collection of President Johnson’s private and family papers and family artifacts. The museum and library also holds the Charles C. Coffin Rare Book Collection, the original College library, the College’s Archives, and features rotating exhibits. Some recent exhibits have included 19th-century furniture handcrafted in East Tennessee, portraits of George Washington, and architecture features of the historic buildings on campus. The building also serves as home to the Museum Studies Program. Vicinity 36°10′24.9″N 82°45′45.3″W.
President's House. Built in 1909 across the street from the campus. Vicinity 36°10′33.6″N 82°45′34.4″W.
Rankin Hall.* Built in 1923, this was the last building constructed using funds donated by Mrs. McCormick. It was originally named Gordon Hall after Mrs. McCormick’s grandson, but was rededicated in the 1950s at the request of Cyrus McCormick II and renamed in honor of senior professor Thomas S. Rankin. This Colonial Revival structure has many elements of Georgian architecture, including third-story dormers, arched pediments over the windows, and dentil molding. Built as a men’s dormitory, today Rankin houses the Athletic Department, the Center for Civic Advancement, and classrooms. Vicinity 36°10′22.2″N 82°45′40.7″W.
Shulman Center. Built in 1971 and named to honor Herbert L. Shulman. Constructed in an attractive circular design, the center primarily functions as studios and offices for the Art and Design program. Vicinity 36°10′27.0″N 82°45′21.1″W.
Tredway Hall.* Constructed in 1930, this is the only Tusculum building to be used continually for the same purpose since its inception. Originally known as the Science Building, it was renamed in 1989 in honor of William L. Tredway, an alumnus and benefactor of the college. This Neoclassical building’s entryway is an eclectic mix of architectural styles, with large Greek Revival columns and pointed Gothic Revival arched windows integrated into an Adamesque fanlight. Vicinity 36°10′28.4″N 82°45′45.7″W.
Virginia Hall.* Designed by renowned Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, Virginia Hall was completed in 1901. The heavy, massive feel of the building is typical of Sullivan’s work. It was Tusculum’s first modern building, with baths, furnace heat, and fire escapes. Virginia Hall was named in honor of Mrs. McCormick’s daughter Virginia, who died at an early age. Today, it houses administrative and faculty offices and classrooms. Vicinity 36°10′28.0″N 82°45′36.1″W.
Welty-Craig Hall.* Originally known as Craig Hall, this building was completed in 1892 and served as a men’s dormitory. It was named for the Rev. William G. Craig, D.D., Mrs. McCormick’s pastor. It was through the Rev. Craig that Mrs. McCormick was introduced to Tusculum College. In 1998, the building was renamed Welty-Craig Hall in honor of Stanley R. Welty, ‘51, a Board of Trustees Chair and benefactor of Tusculum College. This dormitory houses 40 students. Vicinity 36°10′24.2″N 82°45′41.0″W.
A member of the South Atlantic Conference, Tusculum fields 14 varsity teams in NCAA Division II competition.
In 2004, Ricardo Colclough, a defensive back and kick returner, became the first Tusculum Pioneers football player to be drafted by the National Football League when he was selected in the second draft round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Colclough, the only Tusculum player to appear in an NFL game, played for the Carolina Panthers. He was dismissed from the team in August 2008.
In 2007, former Tusculum College basketball player, Tyler White, became a member of the Washington Generals, the exhibition team that travels with and plays against the Harlem Globetrotters.
In August 2009, Chris Poore, another former Tusculum College basketball player, also became a member of the Washington Generals.
On September 4, 2014, the Tusculum football team hosted the College of Faith, an online institution in Charlotte, North Carolina. In a 71-0 win, the Pioneers set two NCAA all Division records: fewest total yards allowed (minus-100) and fewest rushing yards allowed (minus-124). Tusculum also had three safeties, which tied a Division II record.
1900 Baseball team forms, becoming Tusculum Pioneers' first sports team
1902 First women's athletic team (tennis) forms
1903 Intercollegiate athletics play begins
1903 Football team forms
1906 Basketball team forms
1912 First professional athletic coaches hired
1924 First women's basketball team formed
1925 Institution joins Smoky Mountain Athletic Association
1930s Intramural sports program begins, including women's softball team
1970 Soccer team forms
1987 Baseball team advances to District Tournament for 1st time
2009 Tusculum Pioneers volleyball team reach 1st NCAA Division II tournament
Tusculum’s sports facilities include lighted football, baseball, soccer, and softball fields; an intramural field; and six lighted tennis courts that support a variety of outdoor activities as well as physical education instruction.
A new, modern athletics complex was dedicated in October 2003 in honor of business and community leader Scott M. Niswonger, a member of Tusculum College’s Board of Trustees whose donations made the new facility possible. Its major features include a field house located behind the west end zone of Pioneer Field, with large locker area facilities that can be divided into four locker rooms. An indoor practice and soccer facility with interior space of about 44,400 square feet (4,120 m2) features FieldTurf, an artificial playing surface used by major college and NFL teams.
With improvements made through the athletics complex development project, Pioneer Field's seating capacity is now at 3,500. New parking facilities were added through the project. New and improved pedestrian ways, fencing, and lighting in the athletics complex area were developed in a style to match that already on the campus. A modern press box facility, built to blend with the architectural style of the campus’ most historic facilities, is also part of the athletics complex project.
A baseball stadium, Pioneer Park, was added to the complex in 2004. The stadium, used by both the Tusculum Pioneers baseball team and the Greeneville Astros (the Minor League Baseball team of the Houston Astros) has a seating capacity of 2,500 and features a covered seating area. The volleyball team, also known as the Lady Pioneers, play in Pioneer Arena for their volleyball games.
James D. Black (1849–1938), Governor of Kentucky in 1919
Vincent Boreing (1839–1903), U.S. Representative from Kentucky
Ricardo Colclough (b. 1982), cornerback in the National Football League
Steve Crane (b. 1972), former English football player
Brandon Dickson (b. 1984), Major League Baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals
Cyrus Fees (b. 1982), mixed martial arts/pro wrestling TV announcer
David B. Hawk (b. 1968), member of the Tennessee House of Representatives
Tommy Kilby (b. 1964) member of the Tennessee Senate
Richard Kollmar (1910–1971), Actor, television personality, stage producer and director
Pryor Lea (1794–1879), U.S. Representative from Tennessee
Oscar Lovette (1871–1934), U.S. Representative from Tennessee
William McFarland (1821–1900), U.S. Representative from Tennessee
Park Overall (b. 1957), actress and 2012 Democratic candidate for United States Senate seat held by Bob Corker
Harry L. Sears (1920–2002), member of the New Jersey Senate
George Caldwell Taylor (1885–1952), federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
Dave Tollett, head baseball coach of Florida Gulf Coast
John Henry Wilson (1846–1923), U.S. Representative from Kentucky.
Stuart Hirstein, Head of School, University School of Jackson, Jackson, TN
