“Beauty is in the eye of the alumni (or visitor).” That’s according to Condé Nast Traveler, which has included Rhodes College in a photo gallery of America’s 50 most beautiful college campuses. Editors of the luxury and lifestyle travel magazine list the schools in alphabetical order rather than by a rank or rating.
“You feel like you could be at a castle, rather than a college,” wrote the editors about Rhodes’ commitment to Collegiate Gothic architecture.
Several of Rhodes’ buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The focus on the campus environment began with Dr. Charles Diehl, the president who moved the college to Memphis in 1925. “Appropriate and beautiful surroundings will have a transforming influence upon generation after generation of students and upon the very character of the institution itself,” said Diehl. “Beauty, like truth and goodness, needs to be expressed.” The majestic oak trees grown from seedlings taken from the school’s original location in Clarksville, TN, are a part of the landscape today. Since coming to Memphis, the college has become a residential place of learning that inspires high achievement, integrity, and service.
“We are honored to be recognized as one of 50 most beautiful college campuses in America,” says Brian Foshee, director of physical plant. “Our dedicated staff works tirelessly, paying close attention to the small details, which makes the Rhodes campus a very special place.”
Summer 2018 projects on campus include:
- Renovation of Moore Hall (Health and Counseling Center)
- Renovation of West Campus First Floor Education Building (Educational Studies)
- Trezevant Hall’s touch-up
- New residential furniture for Voorhies Hall
- Williford Hall’s elevator upgrade
- Renovation of the football locker room
- Six painted residence halls
- McCoy Theatre’s new roof
- Paving of the East Village parking lot
- Numerous landscaping and sod improvements
