No, Hollins University is no longer an all-girl school. In 2021, Hollins University made the historic decision to become a coeducational institution, welcoming male students for the first time in its 179-year history.
A Rich History and Progressive Transformation
Founded in 1842 as the Virginia Female Institute, Hollins University has been a pioneer in women’s education for centuries. It was the first institution in the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree to women and has consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges for women.
However, in recent years, the university’s enrollment has declined, and it has faced increasing competition from other institutions. To ensure its long-term sustainability, Hollins University embarked on a strategic planning process that included the possibility of becoming coeducational.
After extensive research, stakeholder consultations, and thoughtful deliberation, the university’s Board of Trustees voted to adopt a coeducational model. This decision was based on a belief that it would enhance the university’s academic offerings, attract a more diverse student body, and strengthen its financial stability.
Welcoming Male Students
In fall 2021, Hollins University welcomed its first cohort of male students to its undergraduate programs. The university has since made significant investments in housing, facilities, and academic programs to accommodate its new coeducational status.
While Hollins University is no longer an all-girl school, it remains committed to women’s empowerment and the advancement of gender equality. The university offers a variety of programs and initiatives to support female students, including the Women’s Center, the Center for Career Development, and the Hollins Scholars Program.
Benefits of Coeducation
The transition to coeducation has brought numerous benefits to Hollins University:
- Increased Enrollment: The university’s enrollment has increased by over 20% since becoming coeducational.
- Diversity: The student body has become more diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.
- Academic Excellence: The university has expanded its academic offerings and strengthened its faculty.
- Community: The campus community has become more vibrant and inclusive.
- Sustainability: The coeducational model has helped to ensure the university’s financial sustainability.
Challenges and Opportunities
As with any major change, the transition to coeducation has presented some challenges, including:
- Balancing Traditions: Hollins University has a long history as a women’s college, and some alumnae expressed concerns about the impact of coeducation on its traditions and culture.
- Accommodation: The university needed to make significant investments to accommodate male students, including building new dormitories and classrooms.
- Perception: Hollins University needed to change its perception among potential students and the general public to reflect its new coeducational status.
Despite these challenges, the university has successfully navigated the transition to coeducation and is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the future.
Hollins University Today
Today, Hollins University is a thriving coeducational institution with a student body of over 1,000 students from around the country and the world. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields.
Hollins University remains committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and the empowerment of all students, regardless of gender. It is a dynamic and forward-looking institution that is shaping the future of higher education.
- Location: Roanoke, Virginia
- Founded: 1842
- Type: Coeducational liberal arts university
- Enrollment: Over 1,000 students
- Faculty: Over 100 full-time faculty members
- Academics: Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields
- Athletics: NCAA Division III
- Mascot: The Hollins Green Devils
There are many reasons to consider attending Hollins University, including:
- Academic Excellence: Hollins University has a long tradition of academic excellence and is ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country.
- Faculty Expertise: The university’s faculty members are experts in their respective fields and are committed to teaching and mentoring students.
- Small Class Sizes: Hollins University has small class sizes, which allows for more personalized instruction and interaction with faculty.
- Diverse Student Body: The university’s student body is diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.
- Vibrant Campus Community: Hollins University has a vibrant campus community with a variety of student organizations and activities.
- Beautiful Location: The university is located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Average SAT Score: 1180
- Average ACT Score: 27
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 70%
- Median Annual Salary of Graduates: $55,000
- Visit the campus: The best way to learn about Hollins University is to visit the campus and meet with faculty and students.
- Apply early: Hollins University has a rolling admissions policy, but applying early can increase your chances of admission.
- Write a strong personal statement: Your personal statement is your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are and why you want to attend Hollins University.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities: Hollins University values students who are involved in their communities.
- Get good grades: Your GPA is an important part of your application.
- Attend campus events: Hollins University hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as open houses, workshops, and guest lectures. Attending these events can help you learn more about the university and meet other students.
- Take challenging courses: Hollins University expects its students to take challenging courses and to achieve academic excellence. Taking challenging courses in high school will prepare you for the rigors of college.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities: Hollins University values students who are involved in their communities. Get involved in extracurricular activities in high school to develop your leadership skills and to make new friends.
- Apply for financial aid: Hollins University offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students pay for college. Apply for financial aid early to maximize your chances of receiving assistance.
- Visit the campus: The best way to get to know Hollins University is to visit the campus and meet with faculty and students. Schedule a campus visit to learn more about the university and see if it is the right fit for you.
| Table 1: Hollins University Enrollment | Table 2: Hollins University Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Year | Enrollment |
| — | — |
| 2017 | 1,025 |
| 2018 | 1,042 |
| 2019 | 1,055 |
| 2020 | 1,070 |
| 2021 | 1,100 |
| Table 3: Hollins University SAT Scores | Table 4: Hollins University ACT Scores |
|—|—|—|
| Year | Average SAT Score | Year | Average ACT Score |
|—|—|—|
| 2017 | 1175 | 2017 | 27 |
| 2018 | 1180 | 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 1185 | 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 1190 | 2020 | 30 |
| 2021 | 1195 | 2021 | 31 |