Averett University was founded as an all-female college in 1859 and has operated continuously for nearly 150 years. In 1917, Averett received its first accreditation as a junior college. In 1969, Averett added a four-year baccalaureate degree program and became coeducational. Since that time, Averett has experienced unusual growth. By 1983, the college added to its offerings Master of Education and Master of Business Administration degrees. The Graduate and Professional Studies program was developed in order to serve adult learners in the region, thus requiring the addition of 22 satellite locations intended to make continuing education convenient and accessible for non-traditional students. In 2001, the college officially became Averett University. The change in status was initiated to reflect Averett’s position as an innovative, small, private university that gives students the individual attention traditionally associated with small liberal arts colleges along with the advantages found at comprehensive universities.