The Synod of Tennessee established the “Southern and Western Theological Seminary” in 1819, persuaded by the Rev. Isaac Anderson, pastor of Maryville’s New Providence Presbyterian Church, who saw a great need for trained ministers and churches in the new frontier. Anderson was the seminary’s only teacher and officer for six years. Initially located on land in present-day downtown Maryville, the institution was chartered “Maryville College” by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1842 and moved to its present location in 1867.
Today, the College serves approximately 1,200 undergraduates and is a nationally ranked institution known for successfully joining the liberal arts with professional preparation.
