About Maryville College
Maryville College is a four-year, co-educational, liberal arts college. Founded in 1819 as the Southern and Western Theological Seminary, it was originally intended as a seminary. Quickly realizing that most students were unprepared for graduate study in theology, its founder, Dr. Isaac Anderson, began to offer preparatory “literary” courses. In 1842, the charter from the state of Tennessee was granted for “Maryville College.” Following the disruption of the Civil War, the College reopened and moved to its present location.
Through almost two hundred years, the College has withstood major wars, economic upheavals and changing social realities. By adapting to its shifting environments, the College has remained a strong and vibrant academic community respected for academic excellence and sincerity in implementing its purpose.
As the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South, the College maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville College is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world.