History of Emory University in Timeline

Emory University, a private research university located in Atlanta, Georgia, was established in 1836. Founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, it was named after Methodist bishop John Emory. The main campus is situated in the Druid Hills neighborhood, a few miles outside of downtown Atlanta. Emory is known for its strong academic programs and research contributions.

1900: Alben Barkley graduates from Emory

In 1900, Alben Barkley graduated from Emory University with a BA. He later became the 35th Vice President of the United States.

August 16, 1906: Wesley Memorial Hospital and Training School for Nurses Established

On August 16, 1906, the Wesley Memorial Hospital and Training School for Nurses, later renamed the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, was established, marking the beginning of Emory's involvement in nursing education and healthcare.

1910: Dumas Malone directs the Harvard University Press

In 1910, Dumas Malone, a Jefferson biographer, graduated from Emory University and later became the director of the Harvard University Press.

1914: Candler School of Theology Established

In 1914, the Candler School of Theology was established, solidifying Emory's commitment to theological education and religious scholarship.

1914: Formation of Emory's intercollegiate debate team

In 1914, the intercollegiate debate team was formed at Emory University. The Barkley Forum debate team has since won three National Debate Tournaments and over 25 individual champion speaker awards.

1915: Emory College Relocates and Rechartered as Emory University

In 1915, Emory College relocated to Druid Hills and was rechartered as Emory University after accepting a land grant from Asa Griggs Candler, marking a significant transformation and expansion for the institution.

1916: Emory University School of Law Founded

Emory University School of Law was founded in 1916 and was the first law school in Georgia to be granted membership in the American Association of Law Schools.

1917: Emory University Organizes Medical Unit for WWI

In 1917, as the United States joined the First World War, Emory University organized a medical unit composed of faculty and alumni of the medical school to contribute to the war effort.

July 1918: Emory Unit, Base Hospital 43 Serves in France

From July 1918, the Emory Unit, known as Base Hospital 43, served in Loir-et-Cher, France, providing medical support during World War I.

January 1919: Emory Unit, Base Hospital 43 Ends Service in France

In January 1919, the Emory Unit, Base Hospital 43, concluded its service in Loir-et-Cher, France, after contributing to the medical efforts during World War I.

1919: Emory Graduate School Founded

In 1919, Emory graduate school was founded, later named in honor of James T. Laney in 2009.

1919: The Emory Wheel begins publication

Since 1919, The Emory Wheel, the student-run newspaper of Emory University, has been serving the Emory community. The Wheel is editorially and financially independent from the university.

1927: Ernest Cadman Colwell receives PhD from Emory

In 1927, Ernest Cadman Colwell received a PhD from Emory University. He later became the President of the University of Chicago.

1929: Bobby Jones graduates from Emory School of Law

In 1929, Bobby Jones graduated from Emory School of Law. He was the only golfer to win a Grand Slam, founder of the Masters Golf Tournament, and regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

1940: Kiyoshi Tanimoto Graduates From Candler School of Theology

In 1940, Kiyoshi Tanimoto graduated from the Candler School of Theology, later becoming involved in the Hiroshima Maidens reconstructive surgery program.

1942: Alfred A. Weinstein Becomes Prisoner of War

In 1942, Alfred A. Weinstein, a professor of surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, became a prisoner of war of the Empire of Japan.

1943: Arnall Patz Graduates from Emory

In 1943, Arnall Patz graduated with a BA from Emory University.

1945: Alfred A. Weinstein Released From Captivity

In 1945, Alfred A. Weinstein, a professor of surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, was released from being a prisoner of war of the Empire of Japan.

1945: Arnall Patz Graduates from Emory

In 1945, Arnall Patz graduated with an MD from Emory University.

1947: Emory Donates Land for CDC Headquarters

In 1947, Emory University donated 15 acres of land to the United States Department of Health and Human Services for the construction of the CDC headquarters, establishing a long-standing relationship between the institutions.

1953: Emory Officially Becomes Coeducational

In 1953, Emory officially became a coeducational institution, allowing women to enroll in large numbers and as resident students for the first time.

1959: Sororities First Appear on Campus

In 1959, sororities first appeared on Emory University's campus, marking a new aspect of student life.

1962: Emory Embraces Racial Integration

In 1962, Emory embraced the initiative to end racial restrictions and became racially integrated after the Supreme Court of Georgia ruled in its favor.

1965: Newt Gingrich graduates from Emory

In 1965, Newt Gingrich graduated from Emory University with a BA. He later became the 58th Speaker of the House of Representatives.

1967: Marvin S. Arrington Sr. Graduates from Emory University School of Law

In 1967, Marvin S. Arrington Sr. graduated from Emory University School of Law as Emory University's first, full-time African American student.

1971: Emory Establishes African-American Studies Programs

In 1971, Emory established one of the nation's first African-American studies programs and the first of its kind in the Southeastern United States.

1975: Oxford Campus Designated as Part of Historic District

In 1975, the United States National Register of Historic Places designated Emory University's original campus in Oxford, Georgia, as part of the Oxford Historic District, recognizing its historical significance.

1976: Kenneth Cole Graduates from Emory

In 1976, Kenneth Cole graduated from Emory University with a BA. He is the clothing designer and founder of Kenneth Cole Productions.

November 1979: Woodruffs Donate Coca-Cola Stock to Emory

In November 1979, Robert Winship Woodruff and George Waldo Woodruff donated $105 million worth of Coca-Cola stock to Emory University, which at the time was the largest single gift ever made to an institution of higher education in the United States.

March 30, 1983: Kim Dae-jung Speaks at Emory

On March 30, 1983, Kim Dae-jung, while in political exile, presented a speech on human rights and democracy at Emory University and accepted an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

1986: Construction of the R. Howard Dobbs University Center

In 1986, the R. Howard Dobbs University Center was constructed from a neofuturistic postmodernist design by local architect John C. Portman Jr., to house the university's main student/faculty center and dining hall.

1991: Emory Opens LGBT Student Center

In 1991, Emory opened the first collegiate LGBT student center in the Southeastern United States which is the tenth oldest in the nation, demonstrating its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

1993: James T. Laney becomes United States ambassador to Korea

In 1993, James T. Laney, 17th president of Emory University, became the United States ambassador to Korea.

1995: Emory University Elected to AAU

In 1995, Emory University was elected to the Association of American Universities (AAU), recognizing its status as a leading research university.

1996: Emory University hosts the 1996 Summer Olympics

During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Emory University hosted the United States Olympic women's gymnastics team on its Atlanta Campus. The university also housed international officials and journalists and served as a training facility for Olympians. The Cox Hall Ballroom was transformed into a news center for the Olympic foreign press.

1997: James T. Laney's tenure as United States ambassador to Korea ends

In 1997, James T. Laney's tenure as the United States ambassador to Korea ended. He had served in the role since 1993.

1998: Emory-Tibet Partnership Established

In 1998, the Emory-Tibet Partnership was established, fostering collaboration and exchange between Emory University and Tibetan institutions.

2000: Data Falsification Begins

In 2000, Emory University's Office of Admission and Institutional Research began deliberately falsifying data concerning entering students' standardized test scores and class rankings. This misconduct, aimed at boosting the university's rankings, continued until 2012.

2000: Kim Dae-jung Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

In 2000, Kim Dae-jung was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his successful implementation of the Sunshine Policy, recognizing his role in promoting peace and reconciliation.

2002: Elizabeth Prelogar Graduates from Emory

In 2002, Elizabeth Prelogar graduated from Emory University with a BA. She later became the 48th Solicitor General of the United States.

2003: CDC Establishes Isolation Unit and Quarantine Station at Emory

Following the 2003 SARS outbreak, the CDC established the Emory University Hospital Isolation Unit and Quarantine Station, strengthening the collaboration between Emory University and the CDC.

2005: Emory Presents President Medal to Rosa Parks

In 2005, Emory University presented the President Medal to Civil Rights Movement activist Rosa Parks, recognizing her profound impact on the world.

2006: Emory Named as One of the "25 New Ivies"

In 2006, Emory was named as one of the "25 New Ivies" by Newsweek, recognizing its growing academic reputation.

2006: International Association of National Public Health Institutes Chartered

In 2006, the International Association of National Public Health Institutes was chartered at Emory University with a $20 million, five-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

2008: Emory University receives the Presidential Award for General Community Service

In 2008, Emory University received the Presidential Award for General Community Service, the highest federal recognition for commitment to community service, service-learning, and civic engagement. About 25% of Emory students participate in Volunteer Emory.

2009: Emory Graduate School Named in Honor of James T. Laney

In 2009, Emory graduate school was named in honor of James T. Laney, recognizing his contributions to the university and to global human rights.

2012: Emory Named Among Colleges with Best Libraries

In 2012, The Princeton Review ranked Emory University among the "10 Colleges with the Best Libraries" in the United States, highlighting the strength of its library resources.

2012: Internal Investigation Reveals Data Falsification

In 2012, an internal investigation at Emory University, led by Emory Provost Earl Lewis and Jones Day Law Firm, uncovered deliberate falsification of entering students' standardized test scores and class rankings by members of the Office of Admission and Institutional Research between 2000 and 2012. Following the investigation, the responsible individuals either resigned or were terminated, and the university issued a public apology. Corrective actions were implemented in 2012 and 2013 to prevent future inaccuracies.

2013: Corrective Actions to Prevent Data Falsification

In 2013, Emory University took corrective actions, following the data falsification scandal that was revealed in 2012, by employing independent data advisers to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the university's data management processes.

2013: Rita Dove Keynote Address at Emory's Commencement in 2013

In 2013, Rita Dove, U.S. poet laureate, gave the keynote address at Emory University's Commencement. She also participated in a program called Creativity Conversations.

2014: Goizueta Business School's BBA Program Ranked Ninth

In 2014, Bloomberg Businessweek ranked Goizueta Business School's BBA Program ninth in the nation.

2014: Emory Successfully Treats Ebola Medical Evacuees

In 2014, Emory University was one of three institutions that successfully treated medical evacuees during the Ebola outbreak, demonstrating their capacity to handle highly infectious diseases.

2014: John Lewis Delivers Keynote Address at Emory's Commencement

In 2014, John Lewis, the only living "Big Six" leader of the civil rights movement, delivered the keynote address at Emory's 169th Commencement and received an honorary doctor of laws degree.

2014: Emory Law Named One of the Best Law Schools

In 2014, The Princeton Review named Emory University School of Law as one of the best 169 law schools in the U.S.

2014: Emory Plays Crucial Role in Ending Ebola Virus Cases

In 2014, isolation and treatment facilities at Emory University played a crucial role in ending the Ebola virus cases in the United States, showcasing the university's capabilities in handling infectious disease outbreaks.

2015: Emory Law Receives Donation for John Lewis Chair in Civil Rights

In 2015, Emory University School of Law received a $1.5 million donation to help establish a John Lewis Chair in Civil Rights and Social Justice.

2015: Emory and Georgia Tech Receive Grant for Exposure Assessment Laboratory

In 2015, Emory University and Georgia Tech were awarded an $8.3 million grant by the NIH to establish a National Exposure Assessment Laboratory for researching the impact of environmental chemicals on children's health.

2015: Emory and USF to Study Infectious Disease Links

In 2015, Emory University and the University of South Florida received a $2.5 million grant over five years from the John E. Fogarty International Center to study the connections between infectious disease transmission and agricultural practices.

2015: Emory Joins CDC's Prevention Epicenters Program

In 2015, Emory University became a member of the CDC's Prevention Epicenters Program, a research program facilitating collaboration between the CDC's Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP) and academic investigators to conduct innovative infection control and prevention research.

2015: Emory Receives Grant from Wounded Warrior Project

In 2015, Emory University received a $15 million grant from the Wounded Warrior Project to establish the "Warrior Care Network" and develop innovative approaches to treat veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

2015: Emory Selected for Tuberculosis Research Program

In 2015, Emory University was among the institutions selected by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for its seven-year, multimillion-dollar Tuberculosis Research Units (TBRU) program, aiming to drive innovation in tuberculosis research.

2015: Center for Control of Chronic Conditions Established in New Delhi

In 2015, Emory University, along with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the Public Health Foundation of India, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, established the Center for Control of Chronic Conditions in New Delhi, India. The center focuses on improving the prevention and care of various chronic conditions.

2015: Completion of the Sanford S. Atwood Chemistry Center expansion and renovation

In 2015, a $52 million expansion and renovation project of the Sanford S. Atwood Chemistry Center was completed, creating a 270,000-square-foot complex with laboratories, teaching spaces, a chemistry library, and a $1.2 million grant to modernize the chemistry curriculum.

2015: Emory Named a Tree Campus USA School

In 2015, the Arbor Day Foundation named Emory University a Tree Campus USA school, recognizing the university's commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship.

2015: Emory and CDC Lead Partners for CHAMPS Network

In 2015, the Emory Global Health Institute and CDC were selected as lead partners for the newly created, $75 million Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance Network (CHAMPS).

2015: Emory Named Lead Coordinating Center for NETEC

In 2015, the United States Department of Health and Human Services named Emory University the lead coordinating center for the National Ebola Training and Education Center (NETEC), collaborating with other institutions and receiving significant funding.

February 2017: Emory announces demolition of Dobbs University Center

In February 2017, Emory announced that the R. Howard Dobbs University Center, built in 1986, would be demolished due to several inconveniences and replaced with a new $98 million Campus Life Center.

January 1, 2018: Emory's Campus Annexed Into City of Atlanta

On January 1, 2018, Emory's campus was annexed into the City of Atlanta, marking the largest annexation within a period of 65 years for the city.

May 2019: Opening of the Emory Student Center

In May 2019, the Emory Student Center (ESC) opened. It includes a dining hall, study and collaboration spaces, game room, a multipurpose space, coffee shop, and food emporium. It is the first building on Emory's campus to receive a LEED platinum rating.

2019: School of Medicine Ranked #32 Worldwide

In 2019, Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed the School of Medicine at #32 in the world for Clinical/Pre-clinical and Health.

August 2020: Gregory L. Fenves Becomes Emory University's 21st President

In August 2020, Gregory L. Fenves became Emory University's 21st president, succeeding the previous president.

2021: Emory Receives Significant External Funding

In 2021, Emory University received $894.7 million in external funding from various agencies. Additionally, Emory was classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and led the nation in the number of students with Kirschstein-National Research Service Award pre-doctoral fellowships from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

2021: Emory University Fall 2021 Enrollment Statistics

In Fall 2021, Emory University had a total enrollment of 15,846 students, comprising 8,197 undergraduates and 7,649 graduate and professional students. Twenty-one percent of students are Georgia residents and forty percent of students are male, while 60% are female. The student to faculty ratio is 7:1, with an average class size of 25 students.

2021: Emory University Receives Nearly $600 Million from NIH

In the fiscal year of 2021, Emory University research was heavily funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services's National Institutes of Health, with the federal agency awarding the university nearly $600 million.

2021: Emory University Freshman Enrollment Demographics for Fall 2021

Of the 1,534 freshmen enrolled at Emory University in Fall 2021, 31% were White, 22% were Asian, 13% were Black/African American, 11% were Latino/Hispanic, 18% were International, 1% were Native American and 4% did not identity; 57% were female and 43% were male.

2022: Emory University Rankings in 2022

Times Higher Education World University Rankings ranked Emory 20th in the United States and 82nd among global universities for 2022–2023

2023: Opening of Georgia's Largest Health Sciences Research Building

In 2023, Emory celebrated the opening of Georgia's largest health sciences research building. The eight-story, 350,000-square-foot building houses more than 1,000 researchers from various specialties.

2023: Emory Launches Global University Network

In 2023, Emory launched a global university network consisting of University of Bonn, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of St Andrews, and Waseda University to deepen partnership in education, research, leadership and innovation.

2023: Goizueta Business School's MBA Program Rankings in 2023

In 2023, Goizueta Business School's MBA program ranked 17th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and 16th in the nation by Bloomberg Businessweek. Financial Times ranked the MBA program 36th worldwide in 2023.

2023: Emory University Rankings in 2023

In 2023, QS University Rankings listed Emory as 155th among global universities. The university was ranked 17th among colleges and universities in the United States in a The Wall Street Journal survey. Goizueta Business School's MBA program ranked 17th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and 16th in the nation by Bloomberg Businessweek. Financial Times ranked the MBA program 36th worldwide in 2023.The Emory University School of Medicine is ranked 23rd in the nation from U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 rankings and also ranked 14th for Radiology, 16th for Surgery, #14 for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and 15th for Internal Medicine. U.S. News & World Report ranked the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing 1st in the nation for MSN programs and 3rd for BSN programs for its 2023–2024 rankings. QS University Rankings listed the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing as the 25th top nursing school globally in 2023.

2023: Emory University School of Medicine Rankings in 2023

The Emory University School of Medicine is ranked 23rd in the nation from U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 rankings and also ranked 14th for Radiology, 16th for Surgery, #14 for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and 15th for Internal Medicine

2023: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Rankings in 2023

U.S. News & World Report ranked the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing 1st in the nation for MSN programs and 3rd for BSN programs for its 2023–2024 rankings. QS University Rankings listed the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing as the 25th top nursing school globally in 2023.

April 25, 2024: Arrests During Pro-Palestinian Protest at Emory

On April 25, 2024, during a pro-Palestinian protest at Emory, philosophy chair Noëlle McAfee and economics professor Caroline Fohlin were detained and arrested respectively after objecting to the police presence. Caroline Fohlin was later charged with battery.

2024: Emory Included in Forbes' List of 20 New Ivies

In 2024, Forbes included Emory in its list of 20 new ivies, acknowledging its continued academic excellence and prestige.

2024: Emory University Rankings in 2024

In 2024, Forbes included Emory in its list of 20 new ivies. The Emory University School of Medicine is ranked 23rd in the nation from U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 rankings and also ranked 14th for Radiology, 16th for Surgery, #14 for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and 15th for Internal Medicine. U.S. News & World Report ranked the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing 1st in the nation for MSN programs and 3rd for BSN programs for its 2023–2024 rankings.

2024: Rollins School of Public Health Ranked 3rd Nationally

In 2024, the Rollins School of Public Health was ranked 3rd in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, marking a significant achievement for the institution.

2024: Wallace H. Coulter Department Ranked 1st Nationally

In 2024, the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, a collaboration between Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, achieved the top ranking in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.

2024: Emory University School of Medicine Rankings in 2024

2024: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Rankings in 2024

U.S. News & World Report ranked the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing 1st in the nation for MSN programs and 3rd for BSN programs for its 2023–2024 rankings.