Allen University facts for kids
Historic Coppin Hall
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Former names
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Payne Institute (1870–1880) |
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| Motto | We Teach The Mind To Think, The Hands To Work, The Heart To Love |
| Type | Private historically black university |
| Established | 1870 |
| Affiliation | UNCF |
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Religious affiliation
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African Methodist Episcopal Church |
| Endowment | $312,884 (as of 2014) |
| President | Ernest McNealey |
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Administrative staff
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530 |
| Students | 657 (Fall, 2022) |
| Location |
,
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United States
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| Campus | Urban |
| Colors | Royal Blue & Gold |
| Nickname | Yellow Jackets |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division II – SIAC |
| Mascot | Yellow Jacket |
Allen University is a private university in Columbia, South Carolina. It is a historically black university, meaning it was founded to provide higher education for African American students. Today, it has over 600 students, most of whom are Black. The university's campus is recognized as a historic place on the National Register of Historic Places.
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History of Allen University
Allen University started in Cokesbury in 1870. It was first called Payne Institute. Ministers from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, like John M. Brown, created it. Their main goal was to educate formerly enslaved African Americans and their children.
In 1880, the school moved to Columbia. It was renamed Allen University to honor Bishop Richard Allen. He was the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The university is still connected to this church. Allen University is one of two historically Black colleges in Columbia. It plays a big part in the African-American community there.
The university first focused on training ministers and teachers. These roles were very important for the progress of African Americans. Over time, Allen University began to offer degrees in many other subjects.
In 1885, Joseph W. Morris became the university's president. By 1898, the school had 9 teachers and 304 students. It had also seen 208 students graduate.
What You Can Study at Allen University
Allen University is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This means it can offer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. These degrees are given in different areas of study:
- Division of Humanities
- Department of English
- Department of Music
- Division of Social Sciences
- Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Department of Biology
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Mathematics
- Division of Business Administration
- Division of Religion
In 2018, Allen University started its first graduate program. It is called the Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary. This seminary offers Master of Arts in Religion and Master of Divinity degrees.
The Campus and Its Historic Buildings
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Allen University
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Chappelle Administration Building
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| Location | 1530 Harden St., Columbia, South Carolina |
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| Built | 1891 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001705 |
| Added to NRHP | April 14, 1975 |
Many buildings on campus are part of the Allen University Historic District. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Some of these buildings include Arnett Hall, the Chappelle Administration Building, Coppin Hall, the Joseph Simon Flippen Library, and the Canteen Building.
The Allen University Historic District is also part of the Waverly Protection Area. This is a special area in Columbia that helps protect historic places.
Several of the historic buildings have been restored. This was done using $2.9 million from a special fund for historically Black colleges.
Chappelle Auditorium
The Chappelle Auditorium can hold 700 people. It has been used for many community and school events.
This auditorium was an important meeting place for educators and lawyers. They met there to start efforts that led to the famous US Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. This case helped end school segregation.
Many famous artists and speakers have visited the auditorium. These include singer Leontyne Price, musician Brook Benton, writer Langston Hughes, civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and boxer Muhammad Ali.
The auditorium was named after Bishop William D. Chappelle. He was a former president of Allen University. The Chappelle Administration Building was recognized as a historic landmark in 1975.
Other Campus Buildings
The Chappelle Administration Building was designed by John A. Lankford. He was a famous Black architect. He also served as the official architect for the AME Church.
Here are some other important buildings on campus:
- Adams Gymnatorium
- Arnett Hall
- Cafeteria
- Chappelle Administration Building (a National Historic Landmark)
- Coppin Hall
- Counseling Center
- Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary House
- Flipper Library
- Higgins Hall
- Mance House
- Reid Hall
- Richard Allen Apartments
- Williams Living and Learning Complex
Student Life
Allen University has more than 15 student organizations on campus. These groups help students get involved and make friends.
Fraternities and Sororities
Allen University is home to eight of the nine national Black fraternities and sororities. These groups are part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Athletics
Allen University's sports teams are called the Yellow Jackets. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II. They mainly compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
The Yellow Jackets play in 11 different sports. Men's sports include basketball, cross country, football, track & field, and wrestling. Women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling. The university also has a co-ed competitive cheerleading team.
Moving to NCAA Division II
Starting in the 2020–21 school year, the Yellow Jackets began competing in NCAA Division II. They will become full members of Division II in 2023. They compete against their nearby rival, the Benedict Tigers, in the SIAC.
Marching Band
The university brought back its football program in 2018. After that, the marching band, known as the Band of Gold, was also restarted. It is led by Eddie Ellis.
Famous People Who Went to Allen University
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Images for kids
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Hall Johnson
