We are the first institution of higher learning in Tennessee, the first institution in Tennessee to educate African American students, the first Presbyterian-affiliated institution to admit women, and the first institution in East Tennessee to offer educational programs for working adults.

1794

Hezekiah Balch charters Greeneville College which will become Tusculum University: the first college in Tennessee!

1806

First Tennessee institution to educate an African-American

1808

Hugh Brown receives the first degree from Tusculum’s predecessor, Greeneville College.

1818

Samuel Witherspoon Doak (son of Samuel Doak) founds Tusculum Academy, along with his father.

1830

Samuel Witherspoon Doak builds his 2-story, brick home (currently the Doak House Museum) on land next to Frank Creek, just outside of Greeneville.*

1841

“Old College” is built due to growth of student enrollment. It is the oldest “academic” building on the college campus.

1844

Tusculum Academy becomes Tusculum College.

1878

First Presbyterian Church affiliated institution to admit women

1887

McCormick Hall is built using funds donated by Nettie Fowler McCormick, widow of Cyrus McCormick.

1900

Baseball becomes the first sport to field a recognizable team for the Pioneers.

1902

First women’s sports team is formed for Tennis.

1909

The President’s House is built across the road from the main Tusculum campus.

1913

McCormick Day established. Now known as Nettie Day, a day of service on campus and around the community

1917

The Arch is built at the traditional entrance to campus which is directly out from the entrance to McCormick Hall.

1926

The Gymnasium is built containing a basement pool, indoor basketball course and offices.

1950’s

Lantern Festival begins honoring graduating seniors and soon-to-be seniors.

1965

Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center and Chapel is built.

1970

The Simerly Union Building is built and connected to the gymnasium by the post office. It contained such places as the bookstore, cafeteria, Student Lounge, and other rooms and offices.

1984

The Professional Studies Program is born. Originally known as Tusculum Adult Leaders Learning, or TALL., it is now known as Adult and Online Studies. It made Tusculum the first college in East Tennessee to offer programs for working adults.

1991

First college east of the Mississippi to adopt a focused calendar.

1994

Tusculum celebrates its Bicentennial

1999

Niswonger Commons is built, replacing the Simerly Student Union building, and includes the post office, cafeteria, bookstore, student coffee lounge, student radio station, offices, and classrooms.

2002

Four new apartment-style dorms built behind “Old College” with two additional apartment buildings built in 2013.

2018

On July 1, 2018, Tusculum transitioned to University status.