Rhodes College

Rhodes College is a prestigious private liberal arts college located in Memphis, Tennessee. Situated on a stunning 123-acre campus in the historic Midtown neighborhood, it is widely recognized for its Collegiate Gothic architecture and its unique position as one of the few elite liberal arts colleges located in a major metropolitan area. The college is defined by a rigorous academic environment that balances classic liberal arts traditions with high-impact community engagement, research, and internships. Rhodes is home to a dedicated faculty and a student-focused culture that operates under a long-standing student-run Honor Code, fostering a community built on trust, integrity, and mutual respect.

The institution was founded in 1848 in Clarksville, Tennessee, as the Masonic University of Tennessee. Over its first century, it underwent several name changes—including Stewart College and Southwestern Presbyterian University—reflecting its evolving leadership and its enduring affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. A pivotal moment in the college's history occurred in 1925 when President Charles Diehl led the relocation of the campus to Memphis. Diehl’s vision was to create a "Gothic village" that would inspire academic excellence through beauty and permanence. In 1984, the college officially adopted the name Rhodes College to honor Peyton Nalle Rhodes, a former president and physicist who oversaw significant growth and national recognition for the institution.

Rhodes College stands as a beacon of the "New South," blending centuries-old Presbyterian values with a progressive, urban-focused mission. By requiring a deep engagement with both the classical past and the modern complexities of Memphis, the college produces graduates who are intellectually prepared and socially conscious. Its evolution from a small masonic school to a nationally ranked powerhouse of the liberal arts reflects its commitment to "the education of the whole person." For students seeking an elite academic experience within a vibrant, culturally rich city, Rhodes remains a singular and transformative destination.