Karla Coffey

Lander University

Lander University has been providing educational and cultural opportunities since its founding in 1872 as Williamston Female College in Williamston, S.C. The college moved to Greenwood, S.C., in 1904 and was renamed Lander in honor of its founder, Samuel Lander. It became part of the state system of higher education in 1973. Lander is now a coeducational, state-assisted, comprehensive, regional, four-year university with traditional liberal arts and science programs, and professional programs in business, education and nursing. Students: Enrollment is approximately 3,000 with a student body representing 29 states and 17 foreign countries. Minorities make up 33 percent of the student body; 70 percent of the student body is female and 30 percent is male. Campus residence halls accommodate approximately 1,100 students. Faculty: Lander has a student/faculty ratio of 17:1 with 138 full time faculty members, the majority of whom hold terminal degrees in their areas. Average class size is 22. Programs: More than 60 areas of undergraduate study are offered, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a concentration in art; a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Montessori Education; a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning; a Master of Science in Emergency Management; and a Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader. Students benefit from the flexibility of online courses and distance learning. Five programs are offered completely online: the R.N. to B.S.N. completion option; the criminal justice management bachelor's degree; the health care management certificate; the Master of Science in Emergency Management; and the Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader.