Reinhardt University: A Legacy of Education and Community in Waleska, Georgia
Reinhardt University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and community spirit. With its main campus nestled in Waleska, Georgia, and its Cauble School of Nursing and Health Sciences located in Jasper, Reinhardt offers a diverse range of over 50 graduate and undergraduate programs, both on campus and online. From its humble beginnings as Reinhardt Academy in 1883 to its current status as a comprehensive university, Reinhardt has remained committed to fostering the intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth of its students.
Founding and Early Years: From Academy to College
The story of Reinhardt University begins in 1883, when Captain Augustus M. Reinhardt, a former Confederate Army officer and Atlanta lawyer, and his brother-in-law, Lieutenant-Colonel John J. A. Sharp, envisioned establishing a school in Waleska. Reinhardt, seeking support for their endeavor, approached the North Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church, requesting a dedicated minister and teacher to lead the school. In return, he pledged an annual salary of $1,000.
The Methodist Conference responded by sending James T. Linn, an Emory College graduate, who became the school's first teacher. In 1884, Reinhardt Academy opened its doors in an old cabinet and wood shop on the southern edge of Waleska. The school was named in honor of Reinhardt's father, Lewis W. Reinhardt.
Despite facing an early challenge when a tornado struck Waleska shortly after the school's opening, Reinhardt Academy persevered. The storm, while damaging to the town, provided an unexpected resource: downed pine trees. School officials and local citizens utilized the lumber to construct Reinhardt's first permanent building, a three-story framed structure completed in January 1885. This building housed 11 classrooms, marking a significant step in the school's development.
Reinhardt Academy initially served as a grammar school and academy (high school) for students of all ages. The grammar school curriculum focused on fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, complemented by courses in elocution, geography, history, and penmanship. The academy level offered a more advanced curriculum, including algebra, astronomy, botany, chemistry, ethics, geology, geometry, grammar, languages (French, Greek, and Latin), literature, logic, music, physics, and psychology. By 1916, art and expression were also added to the academy's offerings.
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In 1893, a military department was established at the school, replacing a traditional physical education program. Participation was mandatory for able-bodied male students, who engaged in drills, exercises, encampments, dress parades, and mock skirmishes. The military department even suggested, though did not require, that male students wear uniforms starting in 1905. By the late 19th century, Reinhardt was also providing training in pedagogy for students aspiring to become teachers, reflecting the growing demand for qualified educators. Schools offering this type of training were known as normal schools at the time. In 1891, the state legislature issued a charter for Reinhardt Normal College.
In 1920, Reinhardt officially became a junior college, adding a second year of postsecondary education to its curriculum. By 1925, control of the grammar school was transferred to the Cherokee County school system, although the school remained on Reinhardt's campus until 1948, when R.M. Moore Elementary School opened in Waleska. In 1957, Reinhardt College transitioned to exclusively serving college-age students for the first time in its history.
Campus Expansion and Development
Over the course of more than a century, Reinhardt's campus has undergone significant expansion, growing from its initial location in a cabinet shop to a 540-acre campus with a 90-acre building site. This growth reflects the institution's commitment to providing a comprehensive and enriching learning environment for its students.
The campus features a variety of academic and residential buildings, including the Burgess Administration Building, a recognizable landmark, and the Hill Freeman Library and Spruill Learning Center, which houses a collection of approximately 131,000 books, periodicals, and audiovisual materials. Students reside in nine residence halls and two apartment-style buildings, fostering a vibrant on-campus community. The campus is also home to the Funk Heritage Center, Georgia's Official Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center, offering valuable educational and cultural resources.
The early buildings of Reinhardt Academy were simple but functional. The first permanent building, constructed in 1885, was a three-story frame structure. In 1892, a 1,200-seat, wood chapel was built near the administration building. However, both of these buildings were destroyed by fire in 1911.
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In 1912, the cornerstone was laid for a new administration building, named Mary Stuart Witham Hall in honor of William S. Witham's mother. Witham, a member of the board of trustees, also chaired the building committee. This new building, with a stucco exterior and a beaver-board interior, housed classrooms, offices, a library, a music room, a laundry room, and an auditorium that served as both the school chapel and community church. It was also the first building on campus to have indoor plumbing (in 1912) and electric lighting (in 1916).
In 1926, Reinhardt constructed its first non-wooden structure, Dobbs Hall, named after Dr. Samuel Candler Dobbs, who donated $85,000 for its construction. Dobbs, an employee of Coca-Cola, had served as the company's first salesman and later became its advertising manager and president. Dobbs also contributed funds, along with the people of Canton, to build the school's first gymnasium in 1931. This gymnasium was later converted into a student center.
In 1949, Reinhardt College hosted a Conservation Field Day, adding fifty acres of land to its property, constructing four buildings, building a fish pond and athletic field, and putting up five miles of fences. Throughout the 1940s and 50s, numerous other buildings were added, including faculty houses, apartments, a president's home, a parsonage, a farm, and outbuildings.
The Evelyn Gordy Hospitality House, originally located in Atlanta, was moved to the Reinhardt campus in the early 1990s. This Georgian Revival-style home, with its Italian-tiled roof and rare French wallpaper, serves as a reminder of the generosity and dedication of Evelyn Gordy Rankin, a loyal alumna and benefactor of the college.
Student Life and Activities
Reinhardt University offers a vibrant and engaging student life, with a wide range of activities and organizations to suit diverse interests.
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The Student Activities Council (SAC) plans events such as dances, service projects, coffee houses, and movie nights. Recognized student groups include those focused on service, leadership, the arts, music, the outdoors, spiritual growth, and specific academic disciplines. Examples of student groups include Tri Beta, Phi Alpha Theta, and Alpha Psi Omega. Reinhardt has chapters of Zeta Tau Alpha and Delta Phi Epsilon women's sororities, and Kappa Sigma fraternity, but no Greek housing on campus. Intramural sports are also popular, offering opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to participate in friendly competition.
In the early days of Reinhardt, student life was governed by strict social rules and customs. As a Methodist-affiliated, coeducational institution, Reinhardt was quite conservative. Students were required to attend preaching services twice on the Sabbath and Sunday school. Visiting each other in their rooms was forbidden, and students had curfews. By 1893, the Military Department enforced curfews and study hour regulations. Female students were not allowed to tilt their chairs or cross their feet and had to address faculty members by their titles. Starting in 1905, girls had to wear uniforms, and by 1908, men were required to wear military uniforms. From 1912 to 1927, soft drinks were prohibited on campus, with students facing expulsion for possession.
Literary societies played an important role in student life. In 1891, the Henry W. Grady Debating Club was formed. In 1892, the George F. Pierce and Atticus G. Haygood Literary Societies were established. These societies held competitions and encouraged students to develop their speaking and debating skills. In 1967, these societies were converted into social fraternities and sororities.
Religious life has always been central to Reinhardt's identity. Many of the school's early presidents and faculty members were ministers. In 1893, a military department was established in lieu of a physical education department at Reinhardt.
Athletics have also been a part of Reinhardt's history. By the 1920s, Reinhardt had a football team, but basketball soon became more popular. Intramural sports have been widely popular since the early 20th century.
Student Health and Safety
Reinhardt University prioritizes the health and safety of its students. The Student Health Center provides regular appointments for treating minor illnesses and injuries, offering advice, and helping prevent health issues. Counseling Services are available through UWill, providing students with 24/7 access to behavioral specialists.
Public Safety is responsible for maintaining a safe and friendly campus environment. They handle student ID cards, parking permits, and the EagleAlert emergency system. The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) addresses disruptive, problematic, or threatening behavior that may impact the safety and well-being of students and the campus community.
Reinhardt University is committed to promoting healthy relationships and eliminating sexual violence. The Office of Prevention and Awareness (OPA) provides prevention and awareness programs, events, and activities, as well as outreach and advocacy for all Reinhardt students.
Academic Programs and Philosophy
Reinhardt University is committed to providing a "whole person" approach to education. Students are encouraged to develop intellectually, socially, personally, vocationally, spiritually, and physically.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, both on campus and online. In 1992, Reinhardt introduced a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. In 1994, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredited Reinhardt to award bachelorâs degrees. Reinhardtâs first graduate degree program, a Master of Business Administration, began in 2007, and in 2010 the college changed its name to Reinhardt University.
The Bachelor of Arts in History program prepares students to examine the decisions and actions of individuals and groups in various cultures and historical eras. The program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence assessment, and understanding diverse religious, social, and political groups.
Residential Life
Living on campus is considered an essential part of the Reinhardt experience. All first-year students are encouraged to live in one of the residence halls. All rooms are furnished with a desk, chair, bed, a closet and/or dresser, and Ethernet connection.
The first resident hall at Reinhardt was built for girls in 1896 and named Heidt Hall. Boys boarded with families in town or rented cottages on campus. In 1911, two new dormitories for boys were built: Hawkes Hall and Cherokee Hall.
Notable Figures and Philanthropy
Reinhardt University has benefited from the support and dedication of numerous individuals and organizations throughout its history.
James E. Brown and Mary "Sis" Moore Brown were successful business and civic leaders who made a significant impact on Reinhardt. James served on the Board of Trustees for many years, and together, James and Sis contributed generously to the university. The James and Sis Brown Athletic Center is named in their honor.
Thomas Bertram "Bert" Lance, a Reinhardt alumnus, served on the Board of Trustees and as Board chair. He was a prominent figure in Georgia politics and served as Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Jimmy Carter.
Randolph Thrower, a longtime friend of the Gordy family and a member of the Reinhardt Board of Trustees, was honored with the naming of the Randolph W. Thrower Plaza. Thrower is known for his service as Commissioner of the I.R.S. and his resistance to President Richard Nixon's efforts to use the agency for political purposes.
John L. Franklin, the developer of the Audichron Company, and his wife, Mary Owen Franklin, dedicated their lives to the service of humanity through various philanthropies, including Reinhardt University.
Campus Environment
Reinhardt University's campus provides a serene environment for students. The 525-acre campus features Lake Mullenix and miles of walking and biking trails. The campus is also conveniently located about an hour away from Atlanta. The campus is highly walkable, with most of the living halls and main buildings situated in a central area.
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