Wardlaw College Renovation

In 1873, the South Carolina state legislature established the State Normal School with the goal of training teachers. Today, the college prepares future educators, counselors, researchers, policymakers and leaders who build strong schools and communities around the nation. This year, the college is embarking on the exciting journey of reimagining Wardlaw College for the next century.

With the support of college and university leaders, the College of Education has officially begun building a framework for the future of Wardlaw College. With priorities on community, active learning and spaces that envision the future of education, student experience is at the forefront of this project. While the outside of the building has always been a campus fixture, the interior has failed to progress at the same pace as its areas of study. The college leadership hopes to shine a light on the groundbreaking work taking place in Wardlaw College and return the building back to its roots as a learning lab for educational practice.

Wardlaw College History

Wardlaw College was built in 1930 by architect J. Carroll Johnson to house the School of Education as well as the newly established University High School. It was named after dean Patterson Wardlaw (1859-1948).

University High School was open from 1932 to 1966 and provided teaching facilities for education majors while serving as a “laboratory school” for local students where the Columbia public school system and university students could learn together.

What’s Next

Quackenbush Architects + Planners was engaged to complete a feasibility study. The study was completed and presented to the Facilities Planning, Design and Construction team.

Gift naming amounts for the renovated spaces were established and approved by the Board of Trustees.

The total cost of the project was set at $28 million. The college is actively engaged in fundraising.

Join Us

To join the college in building a better future for education in our state, use the link below to donate to the building campaign. For more information about naming opportunities, contact Teesa Brunson, Director of Development at teesa@sc.edu.

Give to the Wardlaw College Renovation Fund.

The college is seeking feedback and stories from students, faculty, staff and alumni. To share ideas for new spaces or stories from your time in Wardlaw College, contact Anna Francis, Director of Communications at annafrancis@sc.edu.

College of Education