Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College of Louisiana is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in Shreveport, Louisiana. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, it is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South and is recognized as the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River. The college serves a small, intimate student body with a focus on personalized education, boasting an average class size of just 13 students. Its mission centers on the "Trek" curriculum, which integrates traditional academic rigor with mandatory experiential learning, community service, and global immersion.

The college traces its roots back to 1825, when the Louisiana state legislature chartered the College of Louisiana in Jackson, LA. In 1845, that institution merged with Centenary College (originally founded in 1839 in Mississippi to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Methodism) to form the present-day entity. During the mid-19th century, it was often referred to as the "Ivy League of the South," attracting the sons of prominent Southern families. The college famously closed its doors during the Civil War; its faculty minutes from 1861 poignantly note: "Students all gone to war. College suspended—and God help the right." The campus was used as a hospital by both Union and Confederate forces. Seeking a more urban environment for growth, the college relocated to its current Shreveport campus in 1908.

Centenary College of Louisiana stands as a historic powerhouse of the American South, blending a 200-year legacy with a modern, outward-looking curriculum. By guaranteeing international travel for its freshmen and maintaining a rigorous focus on service and professional preparation, the college provides a boutique educational experience that is both globally expansive and locally grounded. Its status as the oldest chartered college in its region and its national leadership in international education solidify its reputation as a premier destination for students seeking a truly global liberal arts experience.