The Institution

Tusculum College has a rich heritage. Founded in 1794, it is the oldest college in Tennessee, the oldest coeducational institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the twenty-eighth oldest college in the nation.

Tusculum is one of only three colleges in the country that utilizes a focused calendar, or a block plan. Students are immersed in one course of study for approximately four weeks.

At Tusculum College, the term Civic Arts replaces "liberal arts" and renews its meaning as it was used by Cicero, the Roman orator, philosopher, statesman, and educator from whose villa Tusculum College takes its name. Tusculum defines educational progress as the success of its students, the personal growth of staff members, and tangible improvement in the quality of life in communities served by the College.

Service learning is an integral part of the curriculum, and many courses include service components. Moreover, as part of the Commons, or core curriculum, all students have the opportunity to get practical experience outside the classroom and a chance to serve the community. Students acquire valuable skills in leadership, collective decision making, communication, working in groups, and public problem-solving.

In 1984, Tusculum became one of the first colleges in the region to create a Graduate and Professional Studies Program built around the needs of working adult students. Five degree programs are offered in several sites throughout East Tennessee: The Master of Arts in Education, the Master of Arts in Organizational Management, the Bachelor of Arts in Education, the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, and the Gateway Program (general education courses).

In the early 1990’s and after an extensive study, the College adopted the block plan, wherein the students take only one course at a time. This plan is immensely popular with students and is cited by most as a significant reason why they chose Tusculum. In meeting with alumni and current students, many who have been there for three years, support for the program is overwhelming. The faculty is also convinced of its efficacy.

The 140 acre-campus, nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, is home to nine buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places along with the historic Tusculum Arch. The main campus is located within the city of Tusculum, contiguous to the city of Greeneville, both in Greene County (population 65,000+). A new building in Knoxville supports its Graduate and Professional Studies Program.

The Tusculum Pioneers compete in the South Atlantic Conference of the NCAA Division II and field 14 varsity sports teams, including: Baseball, Football, Softball, Volleyball, and Men's and Women's teams for Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, and Tennis. Tusculum also offers eight intramural sports tournaments during the academic year.

The College is home to over twenty student clubs, including the Student Government Association (SGA), The Andrew Johnson Society for debate, and WTPL, the campus radio station. Students may choose among ten residence halls.

The current senior staff includes the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid, the Interim Director of Athletics, the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Carnegie Foundation has selected Tusculum College as one of thirteen model institutions for educational programs that encourage effective citizenship. Others include Duke University, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Emory University, and California State University at Monterey Bay. The College is also listed in the Templeton Foundation's Guide to Character Building Colleges. The residential college within Tusculum is further accredited by the American Academy for Liberal Education, which accredits outstanding liberal arts institutions or programs.

Tusculum College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools through the year 2010. Preparations for reaffirmation of Tusculum’s accreditation are ongoing with the compliance certification and Quality Enhancement Plan due in late 2009.