Voorhees College announces that next April during its 125th Anniversary (quasquicentennial) Founder’s Week, the institution will change its name from Voorhees College to Voorhees University after the Board of Trustees approved the action at its annual spring meeting.

Upon approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Voorhees will soon be offering its first master’s degree program where graduate students can earn a master of education in improvement science. Also, the institution is introducing the School of Graduate Studies, Continuing Education, and Integrative Learning, where the program will be housed.

David Miller, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said Voorhees founder Elizabeth Evelyn Wright fought to change the world by providing educational opportunities to African-American students back when learning was scarce.

“Her legacy is solid and as we prepare for 125 years, we want to honor her and highlight the progression the institution has made,” Miller said. “We are launching our first master’s degree and establishing a variety of development centers right here on campus. I could just imagine how proud she would be if she was here today to see the transformation after beginning in 1897.”

Interim president Dr. Ronnie Hopkins said the name change signifies the new beginnings and the direction the institution is going in. “This is a critical yet exciting time for Voorhees as we make this significant transition towards our next level of excellence,” Hopkins said. “We are beyond excited to welcome graduate students to our first program while we make strides to build upon the School of Graduate Studies, Continuing Education, and Integrative Learning.”

The official launch of the name change will occur during the 125th Founder’s Week Celebration happening April 2022. More details to follow. For more information, contact the Office of Communications, at 803-780-1191 or at communications@voorhees.edu.