History of Lander University in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2026

Lander University is a public university located in Greenwood, South Carolina, established in 1872. It is known for its NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic programs. As a state-supported institution, it provides educational opportunities to students and contributes to the academic landscape of South Carolina. Its athletic teams participate in a variety of sports, offering student-athletes the chance to compete at the collegiate level.

1904: John O. Willson becomes president

In 1904, John O. Willson became the president of Lander University.

1904: Re-named Lander College

In 1904, Williamston Female College was re-named Lander College.

1923: B. Rhett Turnipseed becomes president

In 1923, B. Rhett Turnipseed became the president of Lander University.

1927: R. H. Bennett becomes president

In 1927, R. H. Bennett became the president of Lander University.

1932: John W. Speake becomes president

In 1932, John W. Speake became the president of Lander University.

1941: John Marvin Rast becomes president

In 1941, John Marvin Rast became the president of Lander University.

1943: Men Admitted

In 1943, Lander College started admitting men.

1948: Boyce M. Grier becomes president

In 1948, Boyce M. Grier became the president of Lander University.

1966: E. Don Herd, Jr. becomes president

In 1966, E. Don Herd, Jr. became the president of Lander University.

1973: Larry A. Jackson becomes president

In 1973, Larry A. Jackson became the president of Lander University.

1992: Became a university

In 1992, Lander College officially became Lander University.

1992: William C. Moran becomes president

In 1992, William C. Moran became the president of Lander University.

2000: Daniel W. Ball becomes president

In 2000, Daniel W. Ball became the president of Lander University.

2015: Richard E. Cosentino becomes president

In 2015, Richard E. Cosentino became the president of Lander University.

July 2021: New funding appropriated for Lander University

In July 2021, the state legislature appropriated new funding for Lander University, including funds for a new nursing building on the Greenwood campus.

2022: Additional funding appropriated for Lander University

In 2022, additional funding was appropriated for Lander University, including $8 million for a new information commons to replace Jackson Library, and $6 million to renovate the existing library into academic space.

2025: U.S. News and World Report's college rankings

In 2025, U.S. News and World Report's college and university rankings listed Lander fourteenth among regional colleges in the south and third among public regional colleges in the south.