Hood College

Hood College is a private, nonprofit coeducational liberal arts college located in Frederick, Maryland. It was established in 1893 by the Potomac Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States as the "Woman's College of Frederick." The institution was initially an all-female school and did not become coeducational until 1971, when it began admitting male commuters. Male students were extended residential status in 2003.

History

Hood College was founded on May 12, 1893, when the board of directors, consisting of five members appointed by the Potomac Synod, met at the parsonage of the Evangelical Reformed Church to establish the institution. The founding members included Reverend Edmund R. Eschbach, William H. Lakin, Adrian C. McCardell, John Roller, and Reverend Calvin Slagle. The college's first president was Dr. Joseph Henry Apple, who was just 28 years old at the time of his appointment.

Initially, the college operated from Winchester Hall in downtown Frederick, where it opened its doors to 83 students on September 12, 1893. The early curriculum included courses in the liberal arts, music, and secretarial trades. In subsequent years, courses in biology, economics, sociology, political science, and domestic science were added.

In 1897, the college received a significant donation of land from Margaret Scholl Hood, which led to the construction of a new campus. The college was renamed Hood College in 1913 in her honor, following her further contributions, including a bequest of $30,000. This bequest supported the construction of Alumnae Hall, which remains a central part of the campus today.

Programs and Activities

Hood College offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as post-baccalaureate certificates. The college is known for its small class sizes and supportive faculty. Students can choose from 32 majors, 50 minors, and various pre-professional preparation programs.

The college's location near historical sites in Maryland and Washington, D.C., provides numerous internship and research opportunities for students. Specifically, the Department of History offers a history internship requirement, allowing students to engage in real-world experiences at sites like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Gettysburg National Battlefield.

Accreditations

Hood College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Specific programs are accredited by bodies such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (business), ABET (computer science), Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (counseling), and others.

Community and Athletics

The college supports a vibrant campus life with over 40 clubs and organizations, as well as 22 NCAA Division III athletic teams. The athletic teams are known as the Blazers, and the college mascot is Blaze. The college's newspaper is The Blue and Grey.

Financial Overview

Hood College's endowment was valued at $104.5 million in 2020. The institution maintains a commitment to affordability and has been recognized by publications such as The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.

Historical Context and Legacy

While Hood College itself was not established until after the end of slavery in Maryland, its roots are tied to the Frederick Female Seminary, which operated from 1840 to 1893. The Seminary was involved with slavery, as its proprietor, Hiram Winchester, employed enslaved people. Margaret Scholl Hood, the college's namesake, attended this Seminary, linking Hood College's history to the period of slavery in Maryland.

Motto and Symbolism

Hood College's motto is "Corde et Mente et Manu," meaning "With Heart and Mind and Hand." The college's colors are blue and grey.