President's Message

Greetings from Converse College! Established in 1889, Converse College is a leader in liberal arts education for women. Converse offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts, music and selected professional areas as well as distinct coeducational graduate programs. We strive to ensure that every young woman of today knows about, and actively considers taking advantage of, the unique aspects of a Converse education.

Nineteen years ago I embarked upon my liberal arts college education. During my freshman year, I discovered the discipline of art history. It became my major—an ideal platform for a student passionate about history, people and the arts. It became my window into understanding and thinking critically about the world, its people and their values—past and present. It likewise guided the role that I have chosen to play in society, providing interesting, creative work in diverse environments—graduate school, numerous museums, various universities and non-profit entities in Cambridge, MA, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Charleston and Spartanburg, SC.

It is impossible for me or those closest to you, your parents and friends to know what fabulous discoveries you will make during your college years. What I can guarantee is that this liberal arts curriculum at this single-gender institution will provide you with extraordinary opportunities to create an exceptional education experience. Society is not lacking in people with technical skills for professional careers. What the professions and the world’s communities need most today are individuals with a breadth of knowledge, individuals with judgment and taste, individuals with the ability to think critically and creatively, individuals with sensitivity for the problems of others and a strong sense of ethical principles. Developing such skills is at the heart of a Converse education.

Think of your life, particularly the next several years, as a blank canvas. Thanks to your parents, you have a wonderful set of paintbrushes and a wide selection of paints with which to begin this unique creation. Converse provides a palette on which to mix the colors, and work your brushes. It likewise serves as an open studio through which to experiment with new concepts, perspectives and disciplines. We invite students to mix it up and take risks. Such ventures will allow you to grow and discover what energizes and excites you most. Pursue your dreams here. Our students and alumnae exemplify the inspiring outcomes of Converse College.

Elizabeth A. Fleming, Ph.D.
President of Converse College