Last Friday, Converse College announced the all-female school will become co-educational in the fall of 2021.
Additionally, the name of the school will change from Converse College to Converse University, effective July 2021.
Reasons for Change
While the name change does not impact the school's status as a non-profit, private institution, it does more accurately reflect what the school offers.
According to a release, Converse is classified as a Level V, doctorate-granting institution; they also have offered co-ed graduate programs for 55 years.
Schools with graduate and/or doctoral programs are typically classified as universities.
As for becoming a co-ed school, the Ad Hoc Committee conducted research on the future of single-gender colleges.
According to a release, there has been a 29% decrease in women's college enrollment since 2000 and only 2% of college-bound high school females consider attending a single-gender college.
Beginning in the summer of 2019, the committee researched other women's colleges which had transitioned to co-ed institutions.
In studying 15 of those colleges, they discovered a two-year average growth of 74% and a four-year average growing of 86%, both in the total number of new freshman.
After completing their research, the Ad Hoc Committee made their recommendation to the Board of Trustees in December 2019.
Student Tyerra Clayborne, a senior music major and Student Government Association President, served on the Ad Hoc Committee and worked alongside the Board of Trustees.
Clayborne said while there is some sadness among students about the decision, hope is the prevailing sentiment.
One student, senior interior design major Laura Gill, made this meme to sum up her reaction.
The meme has garnered attention among Converse students.
Many feel it accurately sums up the distaste for going co-ed while also being excited and hopeful for the change and growth to come.
Preserving the Legacy
Although the institution plans to diverge from their single-gender history, Converse intends to maintain a Converse College for Women.
Converse College President Krista L. Newkirk described it as "similar to an honors college at a larger university."
The Converse College for Women, which will fall under the umbrella of Converse University along with the International College and Co-Ed College, will emphasize leadership and academics for the female students.
Student Avery McAlhany, a junior graphic design major, said the all-women environment was a draw for her when choosing a school, but she is still hopeful for the school's future.
Expansion Plans
School authorities, students, and alumni alike hope the changes bring growth and revitalization to Converse.
However, those familiar with the school know the small campus appears to have little space for growth.
Student Kennedy Anderson, a junior politics major and Vice-President of the Student Government Association, said the Board of Trustees and the Ad Hoc Committee had already considered this.
Anderson said the potential for growth is built into the current residential halls, such as a new suite-style building which will be a part of the co-ed housing.
The school already has overflow dormitories in the case of large enrollment and plans are in place in the event of the necessity for off-campus housing.
Moving Forward
Converse is holding multiple Town Halls throughout the next months to explain more about the upcoming changes to interested parties.
The Town Halls will be held on campus as well as in Greenville, Rock Hill, Charlotte, Charleston, Columbia, and Atlanta.
A schedule is listed here.
More information about the upcoming changes is also available on their website.