Centenary College

Centenary College of Louisiana is a selective liberal arts college offering undergraduate programs and a limited number of graduate programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, which strengthen the foundation for students' personal lives and career goals. Students and faculty work together to build a community focused on ethical and intellectual development, respect and concern for human and spiritual values, and the joy of creativity and discovery.

Consistent with its affiliation with the United Methodist Church, the College encourages a lifelong dedication not only to learning but also to serving others. It strives to overcome ignorance and intolerance; to examine ideas critically; to provide an understanding of the forces that have influenced the past, drive the present, and shape the future; and to cultivate integrity, intellectual and moral courage, responsibility, fairness, and compassion.

In pursuit of these ideals, the College challenges its students throughout their education to write and speak clearly; to read, listen, and think critically; to comprehend, interpret, and synthesize ideas; to analyze information qualitatively and quantitatively; to appreciate the diversity of human cultures; to respect the value of artistic expression; and to recognize the importance of a healthy mind and body and the interdependence of people and the environment.

Academic and co-curricular programs, as well as the example of those who teach and work at Centenary, support students in their development and encourage them to become leaders in the work place, the community, the nation, and the world at large.

Today’s students have access to a wealth of technology. (Each residence hall room has two computer ports, thereby making the virtual classroom available to students 24 hours a day.) The “Information Highway” has brought the world to the Centenary campus.A common belief binds alumni together – a belief that higher education will equip one to be a better person: more informed, more productive, more contributing to the nation and to society.

The Diversity Statement adopted by Centenary College provides a solid foundation for academic and social life on campus.The Student Diversity Intern program and the Diversity Committee made up of faculty, staff, and students help plan and lead efforts to promote and celebrate diversity at the College and in the community at large.Centenary offers majors in the arts and sciences, as well as numerous academic concentrations, a variety of pre-professional programs, and two graduate programs.

Centenary offers research opportunities for students in various disciplines. From Theatre to Chemistry to Psychology students conduct year-round research both on and off campus. Many students conduct local research with faculty, while some students participate in research projects all over the country.

Centenary provides students with the opportunity to engage in the world around them. By being immersed and studying in various cultures and histories students can see the world not available to them. International travel and study helps students to gain skills and experiences you cannot achieve inside the classroom. Intercultural engagement connects local students to the world and helps connect our international students to Centenary.Centenary affords students with many opportunities to travel and study abroad. Experiences such as Centenary in Paris, May Module, study abroad, and mission trips send our students all over the world.

Centenary students are always busy with activities outside the classroom - varsity and intramural athletics, art exhibits, community service, student government, Greek life, religious life, and much more.The Office of Student Involvement helps students find organizations and activities that channel their passions, develop their skills, and connect them with their community.

Centenary takes an intentional approach to leadership development, providing all students with resources for personal reflection and exploration as well as opportunities to connect with and learn from others.The Office of Professional Discernment guides students toward meaningful life-work with individualized assessments and career coaching, while the Office of Student Involvement supports and promotes the many organizations and activities that enrich the Centenary community and empower student leaders.

By the time they graduate, Centenary students are knowledgeable about their individual strengths and passions, skilled at collaborating within a diverse community, and prepared to utilize these tools to address the challenges of a rapidly-changing world.

Community Engagement integrates service to the greater community with classroom instruction, connects service to academic content, and encourages personal reflection. Community Engagement also supports a number of programs allowing students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other Centenary community members to perform meaningful service throughout the local and global community.

There are over 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Centenary College of Louisiana is the 43rd oldest. It was founded in 1825 by the State in the last days of the 5th president of the U.S. – James Monroe. Known then as the College of Louisiana, it was located in the village of Jackson.The students were primarily the sons of planters and professional men. The whole operation was mostly male -– students, faculty, administration, and staff. Tuition was $50 per year. Room, board, and firewood were $7 per month.