While the University of South Carolina was chartered in 1801, it officially opened its doors in 1805 and opened a world of possibilities to its students. At the time, it boasted one building, two faculty members, and nine students. The curriculum was based on the study of Latin, ancient Greek, and mathematics. Two hundred years later, this core curriculum is still taught in the USC College of Arts and Sciences.

The College has grown significantly from the University’s humble beginnings and now comprises 24 buildings, over 500 faculty, and 8,200 students. The college has changed names several times in the past few decades and came full circle with its reconstitution as the College of Arts and Sciences on January 16, 2005. While the roots of the college are firmly planted in the past, the college is growing into the future. Think of the possibilities.

A celebration week was held to commemorate 200 years of arts and sciences education at the University of South Carolina and to observe the refounding of the College of Arts and Sciences. During the week, Walter Edgar discussed the history of the College, Representative James Smith, on behalf of the South Carolina State Legislature, presented the College with a proclamation, and Michael Mahone discussed the need for colleges such as ours.

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