Since our founding in 1878, we’ve been committed to our students’ success. In the last 140+ years, Brenau University has grown and changed a lot, including becoming one of the first regional universities to offer online classes in 1998.
We’ve spent those 20+ years perfecting 50+ online, career-focused programs. Here, our goal isn’t just to get you to graduation. We’re here to get you to that next job or promotion—all from the convenience of wherever you choose to learn.
“Whether a single mom or a young man in the armed services, Brenau is committed to online access for all students.”
— Dr. Anne Skleder, President of Brenau University
The recent impact of COVID-19 has many colleges hurrying to create online classes. At Brenau, our online degrees are anything but hurried. With our 20+ years of experience perfecting an accelerated online curriculum, you can rest assured you’re in expert hands.
The Georgia Baptist Female Seminary is founded as a private institution for the education of women. Many of the historic structures still stand today.
H. J. Pearce purchases the institution and renames it Brenau, a linguistic blend formed from the German word brennen, “to burn,” and the Latin aurum, “gold.” Its motto is “As Gold Refined by Fire.”
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A new educational model empowers students to choose elective liberal arts courses. The Atlanta Constitution described it as “radical innovation.”
Brenau begins offering night and weekend courses to both men and women, continuing their tradition of “radical innovation” that has remained at the heart of Brenau’s progression.
Brenau College becomes Brenau University, a name change that reflected the comprehensive programs of study, the diverse student body and the scope of available graduate programs.
Select online programs are offered for the first time, signifying Brenau’s bold venture into this up-and-coming medium.
Brenau establishes a full-fledged Online College to meet the growing need of students who desire a quality education that isn’t restricted to a campus setting.
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The University expands to five regional campuses in Georgia and Florida.
Brenau celebrates its 140th anniversary.
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Then-President Ed Schrader (2005–2019) is inducted into the Junior Achievement Northeast Georgia Business Hall of Fame for being a catalyst for major growth during his tenure at Brenau.
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