Higher Education
Anderson University
Anderson University traces its roots back to 1911, when it was chartered as a four year college for women. With a donation of land and money from the area, the South Carolina Baptist Convention agreed to partner with those who wanted an institution of higher learning for women. The school doors opened in 1912.
Anderson University has adapted to the educational needs of South Carolinians and others seeing higher education in a Christian environment. Anderson University offers bachelor’s, masters’ and doctoral degrees on campus and online. The heart of the AU education is the liberal arts, preparing these students to be successful in the career of choice but also to be successful in family, community, work and church. Throughout the year and during school breaks, AU students carry out 15,000 hours of volunteer service.
The Education Majors at AU are taught that they are “builders of knowledge” from the craft of teaching their students to be Lifelong Learners. Learning does not stop during the summer months or when High School is over. Learning is a lifelong event that never ends.
The University is in the midst of the biggest period of growth in its history, having nearly doubled in enrollment over the past 7 years. Today, more than 3,400 students enjoy a high-quality education and can choose from 40 majors, 38 concentrations and 32 minors. The scenic campus is located in the heart of Historic Anderson and building new facilities yearly in new lands near the original campus.
One of the newest buildings on campus is the Student Center names the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center. With over 96,000 sq feet of space for meetings, classrooms, theater space, dining commons, a fitness center, a bookstore and a movie theatre. There is so much in this space that you will have to take a tour for yourself!
As you can see, Anderson University has it all for every age student!
Tri-County Technical College
In the early 1960’s, South Carolina created a system of technical college to serve as “a tool for economic development” within the state. Founded in 1962, Tri-County has grown to a large well respected two year college that serves about 7,300 students from Anderson, Pickens and Oconee Counties. As one of the largest Technical Colleges in the state, with over 70 major fields of study their goal is to meet their students educational goals and have academic success.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the College has campuses in Pendleton, Anderson, Easley, and Seneca. The nearby lakes and mountains offer wonderful outdoor adventures of students, faculty and staff.
Tri-County offers classes during the day, evening, and online. Programs of study include degrees, diplomas, and certificates in many career fields. The College also has a strong university transfer program that includes Associate of Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
The College believes that the greatest resource South Carolina has is its people. Tri-County wants a college that is affordable, accessible, and collaborative and learner centered. Their goal is prepare South Carolina a workforce that meets company’s needs in our great state! The SC Technical System is committed to preparing students of all ages for work today and tomorrow and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for the state.
Clemson University
When you first hear the name Clemson University, you probably think of orange, purple, The Hill, Tiger paws, and their recent College Football National Championship. Clemson is all of those things and so much more. Clemson University is an internationally recognized university from a small town in South Carolina. Right along the edge of Anderson county lies the bright and vibrant university colored with orange and purple and had tiger paws leading into the streets of the campus. Clemson University was established in 1889 by Thomas Green Clemson. Thomas Green Clemson was a Pennsylvania native politician, engineer and agriculturalist who moved south when he married Anna Maria Calhoun, John C. Calhoun’s daughter. John C. Calhoun was a political figure during the 1800s serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, a cabinet manager and a two time Vice President. When he passed away, he left his property and home to the state of South Carolina to create an Agriculture College. Clemson was originally founded as Clemson College. The now University has evolved into a global institution with students from all over the world.
Due to the agriculture background of the land grant university, agriculture and engineering are popular majors at Clemson, as well as business, marketing, management and biological sciences/health majors. The university tries it’s hardest in order to ensure the students attending get a well rounded education during their four years time. Campus life ranges from involvement and all the excitement for football gamedays, greek life, and over 600 student organizations to get involved in. Campus leads into the downtown area of the City of Clemson that holds popular stores to get your team apparel, boutiques and local restaurants.
The University’s campus is rich in history from the past, holding dear the dreams Thomas Green Clemson had for the college. Clemson University pride’s itself on their history and traditions. History such as Fort Hill, the home of Thomas G. Clemson and his wife Anna Maria Calhoun Clemson that still remains at the heart of campus today. The University was established based upon strong military ties, and those still ring true today. Memorial Park, located across from Memorial Stadium, is a place to reflect and honor those who fought and continue to fight for the freedom of this great country.
Clemson is all about tradition and nobody quite does tradition like the tigers do. One of the most famous and memorable Clemson traditions is “the best 25 seconds in college football” which is when the tigers rub Howard’s Rock at the top of the Hill and run down the Hill to the start of the football game. There truly is no other experience like it, it is an absolutely captivating experience. Clemson is also famous for their ice cream at ‘55 Exchange, an on campus ice cream shop with ice cream made by students for all, go check out all the yummy flavors located in Hendrix Student Center. Clemson traditions also bring the famous Clemson ring. A Clemson ring is the class ring for seniors upon graduating. The ring symbolizes being “ever loyal” to Clemson University and showing others everywhere you go that “I went to Clemson”. It is a special moment to share with friends and family at the ring ceremony remembering the past four years of college and of pride knowing how much a student has accomplished while attending the university.
Being a Clemson Tiger is not just something that lasts four years during your undergraduate time. Being a Clemson Tiger is a lifelong affair, one that will last for ages.
