Allen University was founded in Cokesbury in 1870 as Payne Institute by ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, including John M. Brown. Its initial mission was to provide education to freedmen, former African American slaves and their children. In 1880, it was moved to Columbia and renamed Allen University in honor of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The university remains connected to the denomination, which is related to other Methodist churches. As one of two black colleges located in Columbia, Allen has a very strong presence in the African-American community. Allen University initially focused on training ministers and teachers, who were considered critical to the progress of African Americans. Over the years, it has enlarged its scope to produce graduates in other academic areas. In 1885, Joseph W. Morris became president of the University. By 1898, the university reported having a total of 9 faculty, 304 students, and 208 graduates.
In 2010, Washington Monthly reported in its annual College Guide edition that the school had a six percent graduation rate. In 2018, Allen University launched its first graduate program, the Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary.
Campus
Buildings such as Arnett Hall, the Chappelle Administration Building, Coppin Hall, the Joseph Simon Flippen Library, and the Canteen Building are included in what is designated as the Allen University Historic District, listed in 1975 on the National Register of Historic Places. Several of the district's buildings were restored, using $2.9 million in funds obtained through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Building Restoration and Preservation Act. Chappelle Auditorium's seating capacity of 700 has made it the site of countless organizations' and community events. The auditorium was the site of the meeting of educators and lawyers to initiate efforts that led to the landmark US Supreme Court caseBrown v. Board of Education on school integration. Nationally known musicians and artists, including Leontyne Price, Brooks Benton and Langston Hughes, have performed in the auditorium. Notable speakers include: Mary McCleod Bethune, Reverend Martin Luther King, Muhammad Ali, Reverend Jesse Jackson, George Elmore, John H. McCray, and Senator Strom Thurmond. The auditorium was named in honor of Bishop William D. Chappelle, an Allen University President. On April 14, 1975, Chappelle Administration Building was recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Chappelle Administration Building was designed by John Anderson Lankford, who is known as the "Dean of Black Architects". It is a National Historic Landmark. Lankford also served as the official architect of the AME Church.
Adams Gymnatorium
Arnett Hall
Cafeteria
Chappelle Administration Building
Coppin Hall
Counseling Center
Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary House
Flippen Library
Higgins Hall
Mance House
Reid Hall
Richard Allen Apartments
Williams Living and Learning Complex
Student life
Allen University is the home of more than 15 on-campus student organizations.
Allen University athletic teams, nicknamed the Yellow Jackets, are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, primarily competing as a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference, effective in the 2016–17 school year. The Yellow Jackets formerly competed in the now-defunct Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and as an Independent of the Association of Independent Institutions. Men's sports include basketball, football, track and field, and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. The university also fields a co-ed competitive cheerleading team.
