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Limestone University
Limestone University
Limestone University
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Limestone University, formerly Limestone College, was a private Christian university in Gaffney, South Carolina, United States. Established in 1845 by Thomas Curtis, a scholar born and educated in England, Limestone was the first women's college in South Carolina and one of the first in the nation. It was the third-oldest private college in South Carolina. Ten buildings on the campus, as well as the Limestone Springs and limestone quarry itself, are on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to its traditional campus in Gaffney, the university provided online degrees and previously had physical locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Florence.

Key Information

In 1970, Limestone became fully coeducational. In 2020, its name was changed from Limestone College to Limestone University.

In 2025, the Limestone University Board voted to permanently terminate both on-campus and online operations at the end of the spring semester, citing significant financial challenges.[3] The final graduation ceremony for Limestone University was held on May 3, 2025. Limestone Faculty issued a vote of "no confidence" against president Dr. Nathan B. (Nate) Copeland prior to the ceremony and requested that the president and the board of trustees not be in attendance for the final ceremony.[4]

Academics

[edit]

Over 80% of the faculty at Limestone held the terminal degree in their field,[5] and the student/faculty ratio was 14:1. Limestone offered students 57 majors in four different divisions of study: Arts and Letters, Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Professional Studies. In addition to free, reasonable accommodations through the Accessibility Office, Limestone University offered a comprehensive support program, LEAP (Learning Enrichment & Achievement Program), for Day Campus students with learning and attention challenges.

The 58,000 sq ft (5,400 m2) Hines-Riggins Center was completed in 2021 and housed the campus library, campus store, student center, art gallery, meeting and study rooms, and dining options. It served as the academic and social hub of the campus.

Limestone offered an online Master of Business Administration, as well as an MBA concentration in Healthcare Administration. A Master of Social Work degree was also available online, along with an RN-to-BSN Nursing Program.

Winnie Davis Hall

In April 2025, the university's board of trustees decided that the university would close at the end of the spring semester due to ongoing financial challenges. A final fundraising effort was made prior to the decision which raised $2.143 million, but that was not sufficient.[6] Afterwards, the school owed students almost $400,000 in tuition refunds, but the refunds were slow to materialize.[7]

Athletics

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Main article: Limestone Saints

Limestone played sports in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). Limestone offered competitive opportunities at the NCAA Division II level for men in football, soccer, basketball, baseball, wrestling, lacrosse, golf, cross country, tennis, and track and field and for women in golf, volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, soccer, cross country, lacrosse, cheerleading, track and field, acrobatics/tumbling, and field hockey. Limestone had an indoor Olympic-size pool for intramural and recreational use, along with a Physical Education facility containing classrooms, offices, locker rooms, Athletic Training Education facilities for the school's fully accredited Athletic Training program, a fitness center, and a wrestling practice facility.

Postcard of the college

Clubs and organizations

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Clubs and organizations at the university included academics, religious, leadership, musical, theatre, and special interest affiliations. Students also contributed to a yearbook and a literary magazine of poems, essays, short stories, and art.

The college had a Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in conjunction with Wofford College for students interested in serving in the military or reserves.

Notable alumni

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Limestone University

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Limestone University was a private liberal university in , founded in 1845 as the Limestone Springs Female High School, which became the state's first institution of higher education for women. Originally established by Baptist minister Rev. Thomas Curtis to provide education grounded in Christian principles, the institution transitioned to coeducational status in 1970 and was renamed Limestone University in 2020 to reflect its expanded graduate offerings and comprehensive mission. The university emphasized personalized education with a low 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, focusing on liberal , sciences, and professional preparation while upholding its Christian heritage. The campus, spanning 125 acres in Cherokee County, featured nine historic buildings listed on the , blending architectural heritage with modern facilities for academics and student life. Academically, Limestone offered 57 undergraduate majors across divisions such as business, education, health sciences, and humanities, alongside graduate programs including the (first awarded in 2014) and (launched in 2020). It also provided online degree options to serve non-traditional students, with 98% of undergraduates receiving financial aid averaging $13.9 million annually. Student life revolved around over 30 organizations, including the and , fostering leadership and community engagement in a primarily residential setting. Athletics played a prominent role, with the Limestone Saints competing in NCAA Division II as part of the South Atlantic Conference since 2020, fielding 23 varsity teams in sports like wrestling (a national powerhouse), lacrosse, soccer, and acrobatics & tumbling. The program emphasized holistic development, offering scholarships and contributing to the university's reputation for underserved student opportunities. Facing persistent financial challenges and declining enrollment to around 1,200 students, the university's Board of Trustees voted on April 29, 2025, to discontinue all on-campus and online programs, leading to closure at the end of the spring semester in May 2025 after 180 years of operation. This decision followed unsuccessful fundraising efforts and affected approximately 478 employees and hundreds of students, who were supported through transcript transfers and teach-out options via the Commission on Higher Education. As of November 2025, discussions continue regarding potential repurposing of the campus by private entities focused on STEM education.

History

Founding and Early Years

Limestone University traces its origins to 1845, when Rev. Thomas Curtis, an English-born Baptist minister, established the Limestone Springs Female High School in , marking it as the first in the state and one of the earliest in the United States. Curtis purchased a former at the mineral springs site to house the institution, which opened on November 6, 1845, enrolling 67 female students from prominent regional families. The school's founding reflected Curtis's vision for advanced education for women in an era when such opportunities were scarce, positioning it as a dedicated to intellectual and moral development. The early curriculum emphasized a broad liberal arts foundation, including languages, , sciences, , and moral philosophy, with instruction divided into primary, preparatory, and collegiate departments to accommodate students at varying levels of readiness. Under Curtis's principalship, the institution quickly gained recognition for its rigorous standards, attracting faculty such as his son, Rev. William Curtis, who served as a key early leader and later assumed full leadership after Thomas Curtis's death in 1859. By the late , enrollment had grown, and the school evolved to include more structured collegiate programs, solidifying its role as a pioneer in female higher education in the . The (1861–1865) profoundly disrupted operations, curtailing classes due to enrollment declines, economic hardship, and regional instability, leading to temporary reductions in activities. Post-war rebuilding efforts under William Curtis focused on financial stabilization, though the institution faced severe challenges, including its sale at auction in 1871 amid mounting debts. Despite these setbacks, dedicated leadership and community support enabled the school's survival and gradual recovery, setting the stage for later expansions while maintaining its commitment to women's education.

Transition to Coeducation and Expansion

In 1881, following financial struggles after the Civil War, the institution was revived and renamed the Cooper-Limestone Institute through a grant from New York philanthropist , who envisioned it as a southern counterpart to his in New York. This support allowed the school to continue operations as a amid post-war economic challenges. By 1898, with additional investments from local leaders such as John H. Montgomery, the name reverted to Limestone College, marking a period of renewed stability and growth. As the third-oldest private college in , Limestone solidified its role in regional higher education during this era. The early 20th century brought significant institutional expansions, particularly in the and , as the college invested in infrastructure to broaden its academic offerings. Under presidents James A. Carroll and Wylie Cicero Hamrick, key facilities including a gymnasium, science hall, and music and fine arts building were completed in 1925, enhancing programs in sciences, arts, and . These developments supported the establishment of dedicated divisions in and , reflecting growing demand for professional training amid South Carolina's industrial expansion. In 1928, Limestone received regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, affirming its academic standards and enabling further program development. The mid-20th century tested the college's resilience, particularly during , when national enrollment declines affected many institutions, though Limestone adapted by maintaining its focus on women's education. By the late 1960s, facing ongoing enrollment pressures, the college transitioned to coeducation in 1970, revitalizing the student body and aligning the institution with broader societal changes. Into the late 20th century, Limestone continued its expansion with innovative academic initiatives. The establishment of the Virtual Campus in 1996 positioned the college as a pioneer in distance learning and computer-based . These developments underscored Limestone's evolution from a regional to a comprehensive coeducational .

Name Change and Final Decades

In June 2020, Limestone College officially transitioned to Limestone University status, effective July 1, to better align its name with an expanded array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that had evolved significantly in recent decades. This rebranding, prepared over two years and coinciding with the institution's 175th anniversary, emphasized its commitment to diverse educational delivery modes beyond traditional on-campus instruction. Limestone introduced online programs in the early , building on initial distance learning courses offered since , to serve non-traditional adult learners seeking flexible degree completion. This initiative grew into the Extended Campus Program, which by the 2010s included physical sites in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville (via the Greer ), and , enabling working professionals to pursue associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees locally without relocating to the main Gaffney campus. These off-campus locations complemented the online offerings, contributing to broader accessibility and enrollment growth among adult students throughout . Key initiatives in the late 2010s underscored Limestone's focus on specialized student support and academic pathways. In December 2019, the university established a partnership with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, providing students a guaranteed admissions and early admission opportunities after completing required . Complementing this, the university launched the Learning Enrichment & Achievement Program (LEAP), a comprehensive support system for day campus students with learning and attention challenges, offering tutoring, accommodations, and personalized advising to enhance academic success. Enrollment reached a peak of 3,913 students in , including both traditional and extended campus participants, with numbers remaining robust around 3,000 through much of the before a gradual decline; the endowment also grew to approximately $10 million by the late , supporting institutional expansions. However, by the late , enrollment began a gradual decline from its peak, amid broader challenges facing small private colleges, though the institution continued expansions like the Hines-Riggins Center. In fall 2021, Limestone opened the Hines-Riggins Center, a 65,000-square-foot academic hub housing the , student center, store, and art studios, funded in part through a grant to modernize facilities for the evolving student body. This addition marked a significant in infrastructure during the university's final operational decade, enhancing spaces amid ongoing adaptations to hybrid education demands.

Campus and Facilities

Location and Layout

Limestone University's primary campus occupied 125 acres in the suburban community of Gaffney, South Carolina, positioned near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Upstate region. The site was approximately 3.5 miles from Interstate 85 via Exit 90 on SC-105, facilitating easy regional access, and lay within a short distance of downtown Gaffney, where an auxiliary instructional facility operated at 101 North Granard Street. The campus traced its origins to the historic Limestone Springs area, a 19th-century community centered around a quarry that provided building materials, including stone used in the ; the quarry itself remained a preserved feature adjacent to the main academic zone and was listed on the . At the heart of the layout was the central Student Quadrangle, a grassy open space encircled by key academic structures such as Hamrick Hall, the Curtis Building, and the AJ Eastwood Library, fostering a cohesive pedestrian-friendly core for classes and gatherings. Residence halls, including Ebert Hall, , and Brown Hall, were arranged in clusters around this central area, often organized by student traditions to promote community living. On the campus periphery, athletic fields and venues—such as Timken Field, Founders Baseball Stadium, and the Emmie Evans Rector Tennis Center—extended outward, integrating recreational and competitive spaces while maintaining separation from academic zones. Natural elements enhanced the campus environment, with the former limestone quarry now forming Lake Limestone, a scenic pond utilized for relaxation and informal recreation, surrounded by wooded trails like the 0.4-mile Quarry Trail that offered natural surface paths through tree-lined areas. Previously, the university extended its reach beyond the main site through satellite locations for adult learners in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, and Greenville, which were discontinued before 2025 amid operational shifts; online program infrastructure supported remote access to degrees during that period.

Historic Buildings and Modern Additions

The Limestone Springs Historic District, which encompassed much of the historic core of Limestone University's campus in Gaffney, South Carolina, was listed on the in 1986. This designation recognized ten contributing buildings and one site—the former limestone quarry, now known as Lake Limestone—for their architectural and historical significance tied to the area's 19th-century resort origins, lime production industry, and development as an early center for . The buildings, constructed primarily between 1837 and 1941, showcased styles ranging from Gothic Revival to Neo-Classical, reflecting the institution's evolution from the Limestone Springs Female High School, founded in 1845, to a modern university. Among the district's standout structures was the Curtis Administration Building, a two-story brick edifice completed in 1899 as an extension of the original ca. 1845 that housed the school's earliest classes; it featured a central tower with a ribbed dome and a two-story Doric-columned added in 1939, serving as the campus's administrative center. Winnie Davis Hall, a two-and-a-half-story Late Gothic Revival brick building erected in 1904, was initially designed as a dedicated hall of with research facilities, classrooms, and dormitory space, named for the daughter of Confederate President ; it included a crenellated tower and lancet windows, and was individually listed on the National Register in 1977. The Limestone Springs Baptist Church, a mid-19th-century frame structure built around 1846, functioned as a key religious and community event space on campus, anchoring the district's spiritual heritage. Preservation efforts sustained these landmarks through targeted restorations, often supported by alumni donations and institutional funds. In the 1990s, projects addressed structural issues, including asbestos removal from buildings like Dolph Camp Hall during mergers of academic programs under President Walt Griffin (1991–2000). The early 2000s saw continued maintenance, with a major $4.8 million renovation of Winnie Davis Hall completed in 2010 to restore its original grandeur and adapt it for modern classrooms, a , and an . These initiatives, funded in part by contributions, underscored the university's commitment to balancing historical integrity with functional updates. Complementing the historic core, modern additions expanded campus facilities while respecting the site's heritage. The Timken Center, dedicated in 1976, introduced a 1,500-seat gymnasium and a junior Olympic-sized in the Timken Aquatic Center, enhancing and recreational opportunities. The Bob Campbell , a 23,000-square-foot structure opened in 2014, provided dedicated locker rooms and support spaces for -athletes across multiple sports. Most recently, the Hines-Riggins , a three-story 65,000-square-foot complex completed in 2021 at a cost of $13.8 million, integrated academic spaces, dining areas, event venues, and a with the on its upper floors; the featured advanced computer labs, audiovisual technology, compact shelving, and collaborative study areas to support contemporary learning needs. Following the university's closure in May 2025, the 125-acre was placed on the market. The Cherokee County School District considered purchasing it for educational use but declined in May 2025 due to estimated renovation costs exceeding $100 million. As of August 2025, the site had become overgrown, and discussions continued regarding potential repurposing by private entities, though no sale had been finalized.

Academics

Degree Programs and Divisions

Limestone University offered 46 undergraduate majors organized across four primary academic divisions: Arts and Letters, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, and . These divisions encompassed a broad spectrum of disciplines, from and literature in Arts and Letters to , chemistry, and in Natural Sciences, and business, education, and in Professional Studies and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The structure emphasized interdisciplinary learning, requiring students to complete at least 21 credit hours at the 200 level or above from at least two divisions as part of major requirements. This framework supported the university's commitment to a liberal arts foundation, integrating through core courses in , , and . The university's graduate offerings included three master's degrees, with a focus on online delivery for accessibility: the (MBA) with concentrations in healthcare administration, management and , and sport business; the (MSW), launched in 2020 and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; and the in Athletic Leadership (MSAL). It also offered completion pathways like the RN-to-BSN in for registered nurses seeking advanced bachelor's-level preparation. Approximately 80% of courses across all programs were taught by full-time faculty, ensuring consistent mentorship and expertise. Signature programs highlighted the university's strengths in creative and pre-professional fields. The Lights Program provided specialized training in visual and , offering hands-on opportunities in theater, music, and through facilities like the Fullerton Auditorium. Pre-professional tracks prepared students for advanced studies in , , and , including advising, internships, and certification preparation. A notable partnership with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), established in 2019, created a pathway for pre-med students, granting guaranteed interviews and early admission options to the program. Study abroad options extended to programs in and , fostering global perspectives through partnerships with institutions in countries like , , and . Following the university's closure in May 2025, all degree programs were discontinued.

Faculty, Enrollment, and Support Services

Limestone University employed approximately 70 full-time faculty members, with approximately 90% holding terminal degrees in their fields, fostering a personalized academic environment through a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 as of the 2022-23 . This ratio enabled close , particularly for day students, where nearly 80% of instructors possessed Ph.D.s or equivalent advanced credentials. The university's enrollment totaled 1,782 students in the 2023-2024 , including 1,598 undergraduates and 184 graduate students, representing about 90% undergraduate composition. The student body was diverse, with a significant portion—around 40%—hailing from , alongside representation from across the and international students from over 40 countries, totaling 125 international enrollees in recent years. Racial demographics reflected this diversity, with students comprising 37%, Black or African American students 21%, Hispanic or Latino students about 3%, and smaller percentages from Asian, multiracial, and other groups. Support services at Limestone emphasized academic and career development, including the Learning Enrichment & Achievement Program (LEAP), which provided specialized advising, tutoring, and accommodations for students with learning and attention challenges. The career center offered internship placements and professional guidance, complemented by 24/7 tutoring access and dedicated advisors for all students. Library resources included a collection exceeding 166,000 volumes, encompassing print books, e-books, journals, and multimedia materials to support research and study. The university maintained continuous accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) since 1928, ensuring quality standards across its programs. Financial aid reached 98% of students annually, totaling $13.9 million in scholarships and grants to promote accessibility. Additionally, a longstanding ROTC partnership with Wofford College, established in the 1970s, allowed Limestone students to participate in Army ROTC through cross-enrollment, enhancing leadership opportunities.

Athletics

Teams and Conference Membership

Limestone University was a member of the ( from 1991 until its closure in 2025. The university's athletic teams, known as the Saints, primarily competed in the (SAC), having transitioned to full membership in the conference in 2020 after spending the previous two decades in . Some sports maintained affiliate memberships in other conferences, such as men's wrestling and women's acrobatics and tumbling in . The Saints fielded 23 varsity sports, with 10 teams for men and 13 for women. Men's programs included , , cross country, football, , , soccer, and diving, , and indoor and outdoor . Women's programs encompassed , cross country, , , soccer, , and diving, , indoor and outdoor , , , and acrobatics and tumbling, along with equestrian as an affiliate sport. In addition to traditional varsity athletics, Limestone launched an esports program in 2020, competing in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) across titles such as , , , and . The program was led by head coach Zach Lewis, who joined in 2020 to build the initiative from its inception. The university's athletic programs featured notable long-term coaching stability in select sports. In wrestling, Trent Goodale served as head coach from 2009 until the program's end, overseeing its development within . Similarly, the men's lacrosse team benefited from extended tenures, including Mike Cerino's long-term leadership as head coach before his transition to , contributing to the sport's prominence at the institution.

Achievements and Facilities

Limestone University's athletics program garnered significant accolades across multiple sports, particularly in and wrestling. The men's team secured five NCAA Division II national championships in 2000, 2002, 2014, 2015, and 2017, establishing the Saints as a dominant force in the sport. The women's team reached the NCAA Division II national championship game in 2013, finishing as runners-up after a 10-7 loss to . In wrestling, the program produced individual national champions, including , who won the 157-pound title at the 2017 NCAA Division II Championships. Although specific counts of conference titles varied by affiliation—Limestone competed in before joining the (SAC) in 2020—the wrestling team consistently qualified for national tournaments and earned multiple regional honors. In its final season of 2025, the men's team advanced to the NCAA Division II semifinals, where they lost 13-12 in overtime to Maryville. Individual athletes also achieved high recognition, including numerous All-American honors in . In 2023 alone, six Saints earned status at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, with standout performances from athletes like Kurt Modeste and William Gray in the 110-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles, respectively. Former Vyncint transitioned to professional football, signing as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans in 2018 and later playing for the , appearing in 28 games over four seasons. These accomplishments highlight the program's emphasis on competitive excellence and athlete development. The university's athletic infrastructure supported these successes through key facilities and targeted investments. The Timken Center, renovated in 2010 from a former building, housed an indoor arena for and , along with an used by the swim teams and for . Saints Field served as the primary outdoor venue for football, men's and women's soccer, and , accommodating competitive play and community events. The Bob Campbell Field House, opened in 2014, provided extensive locker facilities for 477 student-athletes and was directly connected to the , enhancing team operations. During the 2010s, Limestone committed substantial resources to athletic enhancements, including a $12 million capital campaign in 2016 that directed nearly $5 million toward outdoor improvements such as synthetic turf fields, lighting, and a viewing tower at the Bob Prevatte Athletic Complex. These upgrades, combined with the addition of the field house, elevated training and competition standards. The campus also hosted SAC tournaments, including women's lacrosse championships, and supported emerging programs like , launched in 2020 with dedicated spaces in the student center for competitive gaming.

Student Life

Clubs and Organizations

Limestone University offered over 30 student clubs and organizations, fostering engagement in academic, cultural, religious, leadership, and special interest activities. These groups emphasized and community involvement, with opportunities for students to pursue passions outside the classroom. Academic honor societies formed a core component, including Alpha Chi for general , Alpha Phi Sigma for , Alpha Psi Omega for theater, Chi Alpha Sigma for athletics, Phi Alpha for , Phi Alpha Theta for history, and Sigma Beta Delta for business. Professional clubs such as focused on , while the Pre-Law Society, Club, Science Club, and Club provided targeted networking and . The Student Organization of Social Workers and Education Association chapter supported career preparation in service-oriented fields. Religious and leadership organizations included the and Limestone CRU for faith-based support, alongside the Student Government Association and Student Alumni Leadership Council for governance and legacy-building. groups encompassed the iPan steel drum ensemble, Community Chorus, Show Choir, and Marching Saints band, promoting creative expression. Special interest clubs like the Barbell Club for fitness, HAUS of Art for creative pursuits, and the Student Organization addressed diverse hobbies and academics. Greek life at the university featured limited chapters, including the local sorority Zeta Beta Theta and fraternity Lambda Mu Sigma, founded in 1957, emphasizing non-traditional fraternity experiences. Student publications included The Candelabra, an annual showcasing , essays, short stories, and from campus contributors. Additional groups such as the Limestone Activities Board organized events, enhancing overall student life.

Traditions and Campus Events

Limestone University's traditions reflected its heritage as a private Christian founded in 1845, emphasizing community, faith, and . The Presidential Convocation, held annually at the start of the academic year, featured performances of the by the Department of Music and welcomed new students in a formal ceremony in Fullerton Auditorium. The Senior Ring Ceremony, a milestone for graduating students, occurred during weekend and allowed participants to receive their class rings, symbolizing achievement and affiliation with the university. Historically, as Limestone College—a women's until 1969— celebrations involved students in festive activities like dances and parades, tying into the era's focus on and campus rituals. Annual events fostered unity and celebration among students, alumni, and the community. Weekend, held each fall, included a —introduced in 2024—a on the front campus, alumni receptions, and culminated in a football game at Saints Field, drawing participants to honor the university's legacy. The All Saints celebration, begun in 1984, featured a with performances by the Limestone University & Chorus, tree lighting, Santa's appearance, and over 10,000 luminaries lit by student-athletes across the campus, evoking vespers-style worship through music and scripture readings. Campus culture at Limestone underscored through regular worship opportunities, including the weekly service held Wednesdays in the Timken Center Chapel, which promoted spiritual growth and community reflection. Diversity initiatives were highlighted through events like observances, featuring programs such as the annual Dr. M.L. Annette Reynolds Day, guest speakers, and community gatherings to celebrate . The university's ROTC program, hosted in cooperation with , included joint activities for cadets from both institutions, such as shared training, drills, and the annual Military Ball, which honored participants' commitment to service and built interdisciplinary bonds.

Closure

Announcement and Financial Reasons

On April 29, 2025, the Limestone University Board of Trustees voted to close the institution permanently, discontinuing both on-campus and online degree programs at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. This decision followed an emergency fundraising campaign that raised approximately $2.1 million from nearly 200 donors over two weeks, falling short of the $6 million needed to address the university's budget shortfall. The board had initially considered options including a shift to online-only operations but ultimately determined that sustainable viability was unattainable. The official closure date was set for the conclusion of the spring semester, with all academic operations ceasing by late May 2025. Last classes for the semester ended in early May, allowing remaining students to complete their coursework. The final commencement ceremony took place on May 3, 2025, conferring degrees to 246 graduating seniors, marking the last cohort to receive diplomas from the 180-year-old institution. Limestone's financial challenges stemmed primarily from declining enrollment following the , escalating operational costs, and persistent endowment shortfalls that eroded the university's reserves. Enrollment had dropped significantly since 2020, reducing tuition revenue while expenses for faculty, facilities, and compliance rose amid broader higher education pressures. The endowment, valued at about $9.2 million as of June 2024, proved insufficient to cover ongoing deficits, having been drawn down by $22 million since 2020 to fund operations. Leadership tensions exacerbated the crisis, culminating in a unanimous faculty vote of no confidence against President Nathan Copeland and the Board of Trustees on April 30, 2025. The faculty resolution also demanded the resignations of Copeland and Executive Vice President Linwood Whitaker, citing mismanagement in handling the financial downturn. In response, Copeland and the trustees absented themselves from the May 3 commencement to avoid disrupting the event for graduates.

Impact and Legacy

The closure of Limestone University profoundly affected its students, with approximately 98% of whom received financial aid, facing disruptions in their educational paths and requiring transfers to other institutions for degree completion. Nearby colleges, including Gardner-Webb University, established transfer agreements to facilitate and match institutional aid for incoming students, while other schools like waived enrollment fees and offered scholarships to ease the transition. Additionally, as of July 2025, the university owed refunds totaling $381,405 to 281 students, primarily online learners, for unprovided services, highlighting the financial strain on affected individuals. Official transcripts were transferred to Verif-y, Inc., enabling requests starting in June 2025, to support ongoing academic and professional pursuits. The community of , experienced significant economic repercussions from the loss of the university's estimated $150 million annual impact and the layoffs of nearly 480 employees in a city of under 13,000 residents. Local partnerships, such as dual-enrollment programs with Cherokee County Schools, were disrupted, displacing around 50 students from the Scholars Academy and forcing an accelerated high school initiative hosted on campus to relocate. The closure also rippled through 13 state charter schools reliant on Limestone for administrative support, underscoring the institution's role in regional education networks. Despite its closure, Limestone University's legacy endures through its extensive alumni network, spanning over 180 years and comprising thousands of graduates who continue networking via the ongoing alumni association. Founded in 1845 as Carolina's first , it made pioneering contributions to in the , fostering generations of leaders in a region historically limited in opportunities for women. The historic campus, featuring preserved structures like the Administration Building, as of November 2025, remains under consideration for repurposing, with the City of Gaffney approving rezoning of housing for public sale on November 13, 2025, and earlier proposals from private investors to revive it as a STEM-focused educational facility.

Notable People

Alumni

Limestone University has produced a diverse array of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in , sports, politics, religion, literature, and . With over 22,000 living worldwide, the institution's graduates continue to embody its values of resilience and leadership, even following the university's closure in 2025. The alumni association remains active, fostering connections through events and networking opportunities to support ongoing and . Lois Collier, who attended in the 1930s, became a prominent Hollywood actress known for her roles in films such as (1945) and Out of the Blue (1947), appearing in over 60 movies during her career from 1938 to 1958. Born Madelyn Earle Jones in Salley, , she pursued after winning a contest while at Limestone, transitioning from school plays to a contract with 20th Century . Vyncint Smith, a 2018 graduate, is a professional football who played in the for the Houston Texans (2019–2021) and (2022), recording 20 receptions for 217 yards over 28 games. A standout on Limestone's , Smith signed as an undrafted free agent with the Texans after college, later continuing his career in the Canadian Football League with the in 2025. Jay Byars, class of 2009, gained national recognition as a contestant on the show in 2012, where he competed as a "" tribe member and was known for his strategic gameplay before being voted out in eighth place. A major and former student-athlete, Byars later entered , serving as a Dorchester County Council member in since 2011 and running for U.S. in 2026. The Right Reverend Dr. Alphonza Gadsden Sr. (1945–2025), who earned a in magna cum laude from , served as Ordinary of the Reformed Episcopal Church's of the Southeast from 2007 to 2020. Ordained in 1985 after obtaining a from Cummins Theological Seminary, Gadsden was a at Cummins and an advocate for theological education and until his death in January 2025. Ann Gordon McCrory, a Limestone graduate with a in and history, served as of from 2013 to 2017 during her husband Pat McCrory's governorship. A dedicated philanthropist, she focused on initiatives, literacy, and support for military families, drawing from her background as and manager. Mark Mathabane, who attended Limestone in 1978 on a scholarship, is an acclaimed whose (1986) became a , detailing his escape from apartheid-era and earning praise for raising global awareness of racial injustice. He later completed degrees at other institutions and authored additional works on civil rights, , and , while serving as a and educator. Robert L. "Bob" , class of 1974, was the 78th from 1987 to 1995 and later served in the state Senate until 2007. A businessman who owned Peeler Rug Company, he focused on and industry advocacy, including as president of the South Carolina Dairy Association, and earned a master's from after . Isidora Hernández, a forward on Limestone's women's soccer team from 2014 to 2017, went on to play professionally in for and represented the Chilean national team, scoring key goals in international competitions. Her college performance, including All-Conference honors, highlighted her speed and scoring ability, contributing to the Saints' program success. Wait, no wiki, but the conference site is good. Several alumni have excelled in athletics, with achievements detailed in the university's sports history, including NFL and professional soccer careers that underscore Limestone's emphasis on competitive programs.

Faculty and Administrators

Limestone University was founded in 1845 by Rev. Dr. Thomas Curtis, a Baptist minister from England, who established it as the Limestone Springs Female High School to provide higher education opportunities for women in the antebellum South. Curtis, along with his son Dr. William Curtis, purchased the former Limestone Springs resort property and adapted its facilities for academic use, pioneering a model of women's education that emphasized classical studies, moral development, and practical skills at a time when such institutions were rare. His vision laid the foundation for the university's early curriculum, which included courses in literature, science, and languages, and he contributed to broader educational efforts by helping organize the South Carolina Teachers Association. Curtis served until his death in 1859, after which his son continued leadership amid the challenges of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Throughout its history, several presidents made enduring contributions to Limestone's growth and stability. Dr. Lee Davis Lodge, who served from 1899 to 1923, oversaw the construction of the Winnie Davis Hall of in 1904, a key facility dedicated to the study of Southern history and culture, enhancing the institution's academic offerings in humanities. Dr. Robert C. Granberry, president from 1923 to 1952, directed the building of Hamrick Hall of Science and the Carroll School of Fine Arts in 1925, expanding scientific and artistic programs to meet growing enrollment demands. These initiatives reflected a commitment to infrastructural development that supported curriculum diversification, including strengthened emphases on STEM and performing arts. In more recent decades, Dr. Walt Griffin led as president from 1992 to 2017, a period marked by financial recovery and enrollment growth from dwindling numbers to over 3,000 students. Griffin spearheaded multiple capital campaigns, restored historic buildings, and launched new athletic programs, culminating in the naming of the Walt Griffin Physical Education Center in 2009 to honor his efforts in elevating the university's national profile. His administration also facilitated the approval of the MBA program in 2011, with the first graduates in 2014, representing a significant reform in graduate business education. Dr. Nathan B. Copeland, the 24th president appointed in May 2024, navigated the institution through its final challenges, including a fundraising push amid financial difficulties that led to closure announcements in 2025; he focused on sustaining operations and supporting transitions for students and staff during this period. Under his brief tenure, efforts included community engagement initiatives to explore revival options, though these were ultimately unsuccessful. Notable long-term faculty and administrators further shaped Limestone's academic environment. Eunice Ford, a who later became dean, introduced evening classes during to serve working women, exemplifying early efforts that broadened access to education. Trustees like John Montgomery (1888–1902), who provided personal financial support to stabilize the institution during economic hardships, and Dr. Wylie Cicero Hamrick (1899–1935), who advocated for expansions including the Timken Physical Education Center in 1976, played pivotal roles in facility endowments and long-term planning. These contributions, including the 2020 launch of the program under recent leadership, underscored a legacy of adaptive reforms that addressed evolving educational needs.

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