women's college located on 100 acres (40 hectares) in Decatur, Ga., 6 miles (10 kilometers) from downtown Atlanta. Its history traces back to Decatur Female Seminary, which was founded in 1889. In 1890, a local businessman, George Washington Scott, donated land, a building, and other resources to the school, and the name was changed to Agnes Scott Institute in honor of his mother. It became Agnes Scott College in 1906. The school was the first college or university in Georgia to be accredited and also has one of the state's oldest chapters of Phi Beta Kappa. Agnes Scott College has a relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) but is not supported or controlled by it. The campus features Gothic and Victorian buildings, many of them filled with antiques. The library has one of the largest collections of the works of Robert Frost in the nation. The college also has one of the largest reflecting telescopes in the South. Enrollment is roughly 600 students, including some 25 graduate students. A selective institution, most students ranked in the top quarter or better of their high school class. Students mainly hail from the Southeastern region of the country. Unmarried students who do not live with relatives are required to reside in campus housing. Dormitory visitation by men is limited. The dining service has a program called Taste of Home through which students can bring in family recipes for the cooks to try out. About 90 percent of Agnes Scott's full-time faculty hold doctorates. The academic calendar is divided into semesters. The college confers the bachelor of arts degree in a range of disciplines within the liberal arts and sciences. Programs in engineering and architecture are offered in conjunction with other institutions. All students complete courses in physical education, English literature and composition, natural science, social science, humanities, foreign language, biblical studies or philosophy, fine arts, and mathematics. A strong honor system allows students to take self-scheduled, unproctored examinations. The college conducts foreign excursions through its Global Awareness Program, with opportunities in Russia, Japan, Africa, and Mexico. Students can also study at Mills College in California, another all-female college. Agnes Scott is part of the University Center of Georgia, allowing resource sharing and cross-registration with other Atlanta-area schools. The college has a well-developed internship program, including opportunities with governmental agencies. About 30 to 40 percent of the students pursue advanced studies within a year of graduation. The Return to College program lets adult women finish their degrees by taking classes alongside traditional students either part- or full-time. Agnes Scott's master's program is in teaching English at the secondary school level. Some 35 extracurricular activities are conducted by the college, including publications, musical and theatrical groups, honor societies, religious organizations, political groups, social council, community service, and intramural sports. Varsity sports teams compete in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. A popular annual event is a formal dance called Black Cat. The annual writer's conference often draws prestigious figures to campus. School colors are purple and white. |