History

The founding of Westhampton College in 1914 stemmed from the desire of the Baptists of Virginia to establish a women's college of high standards and quality - a rarity at the turn of the century. Following much discussion and investigation, it was decided to establish the new women's college as a coordinate college with Richmond College.

At that time, Richmond College was located downtown on Grace Street near Lombardy. Virginia Baptists found one block of this campus available and decided the women's college could occupy it. After careful consideration, it was decided that this was not enough room, that Richmond College was growing and expanding, and perhaps a new campus for both colleges was the best idea. The Board of Trustees decided to locate at what was then a very remote West End location. This areas was called Westhampton, and the lake in the center of this location was called Westhampton Lake. The new women's college was given the name Westhampton College.

The area on the south side of the lake where the new women's college would be was completely barren. The area on the other side of the lake was heavily wooded. The first building built was named Westhampton College, and that was the only name it went by for many years. Now it is called North Court. The other original buildings of the University are Thomas Hall, Jeter Hall, Ryland Hall, and the first or front portion of Sarah Brunet Hall, which served as the dining hall for the Richmond College students.

In 1898, women were admitted to Richmond College. At first, most of these women were daughters of faculty members. About 65 women attended Richmond College and for a couple of years prior to the opening of Westhampton College, they worked and organized to prepare for "their college." Consequently, when Westhampton opened in 1914, four classes were in place. Also, organizations, activities, and traditions were already planned and in progress that very first year.

Dr. Frederic W. Boatwright, President, appointed Dr. May L. Keller as the first Dean of Westhampton College. He insisted that this new Dean be a woman (the first woman dean in Virginia), a Baptist, and have a Ph.D. Due to her well-disciplined academic background, she set high standards for Westhampton College. The first women to attend Westhampton College were highly motivated and determined. This excellence has continued to this day and most assuredly will continue into the future.