Agnes Scott College

The college was founded in 1889 as Decatur Female Seminary by Presbyterian minister Frank Henry Gaines. In 1890, the name was changed to Agnes Scott Institute to honor the mother of the college's primary benefactor, Col. George Washington Scott . The name was changed again to Agnes Scott College in 1906 and remains today a women's college . Agnes Scott is considered the first higher education institution in the state of Georgia to receive regional accreditation. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] The ninth and current president since July 2018 is Leocadia I. Zak , who previously worked as director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). On July 27, 1994, the campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the South Candler Street-Agnes Scott College Historic District . [ 8 ] The historic district boundaries are East College Ave., South McDonough St., S. Candler St., East Hill St. and East Davis St. It includes the entire campus, as well as historic homes adjacent to the campus. The campus is also designated by the City of Decatur as a historic district. [ 9 ] The Reverend Frank Henry Gaines served as the first President of Agnes Scott, formally known as Decatur Female Seminary School, for 27 years (1896–1923). During his 27-year presidency, he ensured stability and success for the school, including the transition to the collegiate level, accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools , acquisition of 20 acres of land and 21 buildings and an increase in assets from $5,000 to $1.5 million.

Agnes Scott College is located within walking distance of downtown Decatur . It is served by Decatur station on the MARTA rail system, which is also a hub for buses, allowing students to travel to the greater Atlanta area. [ 10 ] Buttrick Hall Looking across the quad McCain Library at dusk Bradley Observatory Inman Hall Alumnae Garden - Robert Frost statue Agnes Scott occupies more than 90 acres (360,000 m 2 ) in Decatur. The college also owns the Avery Glen apartments as well as more than a dozen houses in the surrounding neighborhoods housing faculty, staff, and students. There are also six dedicated undergraduate dormitories located on campus. American poet Robert Frost was first invited to speak at Agnes Scott in 1935, by English professor Emma May Laney , and he visited the college every winter from 1945 until his death in 1963. [ 11 ] During his visits, he would read poetry in Presser Hall. A statue of the poet sculpted by George W. Lundeen sits in the alumnae gardens. A collection of Robert Frost's poetry and letters can be viewed on the second floor of the McCain Library. [ 12 ] Current Buildings Agnes Scott (Main) Hall Agnes Scott (Main) Hall, named after Agnes Irvine Scott, is located at the center of "the main loop" and is a one among many Agnes Scott buildings that was listed in the National Register of Historic Places . [ 13 ] Main was built in 1891, making it the oldest building on campus. [ 13 ] Main once housed the entire school. This is documented in the history of Agnes Scott by McNair titled Lest We Forget published in 1983. As technology became more advanced so did Main. [ 13 ] Main Hall was the first building on campus and in the neighborhood to have electric lighting. [ 13 ] Some say that people would gather outside of Main at night just to admire the light shining within the building. [ 13 ]

Built in 1891, the Gazebo at Agnes Scott college has served a multitude of purposes throughout the years. It was originally located in front of Agnes Scott (Main) Hall, however in 1926 it was moved to the west end of Rebekah Scott Hall. The gazebo has been used as an office, meeting room, meditation chapel, and the Day Student Hut. [ 14 ]

Built in 1906, Rebekah Scott Hall is the second oldest building remaining at Agnes Scott College. Rebekah Scott Hall cost $70,000 to build. It is named after George Washington Scott's wife, Rebekah Butcher Scott. The first floor of Rebekah Scott Hall contains offices, the office of financial aid, and the office of admissions. The second and third floors are used as student housing. [ 15 ]