Allen University

Allen University is a private, coeducational historically Black university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States.

It was founded in Cokesbury in 1870 as Payne Institute, dedicated to providing education to freed African-American slaves. In 1880 it was moved to Columbia and renamed Allen University in honor of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The university remains connected to the denomination, which is in the Methodist family of churches. As one of two black colleges located in Columbia, Allen has a very strong presence in the African American community. Allen University initially focused on training ministers and teachers, and over the years has enlarged its scope to produce graduates in other academic areas. The University is committed to providing the highest quality instruction to its students. Allen University is an academic community which provides students an opportunity to obtain a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts and professional programs. The University has a strong, unalterable commitment to teaching in delivery of its baccalaureate programs.

Allen University has over 500 students and still serves a predominantly Black constituency. Dr. Charles E. Young is the 23rd president of Allen University, having been installed in 2004.

The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offer B.A. and B.S. degrees. Allen University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Historic campus

Buildings such as Arnett Hall, the Chappelle Administration Building, Coppin Hall, the Joseph Simon Flipper Library, and the Canteen Building occupy the Allen University Historic District, listed in 1975 on the National Register of Historic Places. Several of the district's buildings were restored using $2.9 million in funds obtained through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Building Restoration and Preservation Act.
Adams Gymnatorium
Arnett Hall
Cafeteria
Chappelle Administration Building (also a National Historic Landmark)
Coppin Hall
Counseling Center
Flipper Library
Higgins Hall
Mance House
Reid Hall
Richard Allen Apartments

Allen University is a private, coeducational historically Black university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States.

It was founded in Cokesbury in 1870 as Payne Institute, dedicated to providing education to freed African-American slaves. In 1880 it was moved to Columbia and renamed Allen University in honor of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The university remains connected to the denomination, which is in the Methodist family of churches. As one of two black colleges located in Columbia, Allen has a very strong presence in the African American community. Allen University initially focused on training ministers and teachers, and over the years has enlarged its scope to produce graduates in other academic areas. The University is committed to providing the highest quality instruction to its students. Allen University is an academic community which provides students an opportunity to obtain a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts and professional programs. The University has a strong, unalterable commitment to teaching in delivery of its baccalaureate programs.