A Century of Academic Excellence

South University enjoys a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. South University traces its heritage to 1899, when Dr. John Draughon established Draughon's Practical Business College in Savannah, Ga.

Since then, South University has achieved the following milestones:

1899

Dr. John Draughon established Draughon's Practical Business College, originally located in a Masonic Lodge.

1914

Moved to Georgia State Savings Building.

1921 to 1956

Operated out of the Lamas Building.

1956 to 1974

Resided in the Atlantic Mutual Building before returning to downtown Savannah.

1974

The family of John T. South III acquired the institution and changed its name to Draughon's Junior College.

1976

Established a second campus in West Palm Beach, Fla.

1986

Draughon's Junior College became South College.

1996

Became a four-year degree college.

1997

Opened a third campus in Montgomery, Ala., and introduced a bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant Studies and an associate's degree in Physical Therapist Assisting.

2001

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Schools accredited South College to confer master's degrees and, with that, came university status. In October 2001, South College officially became South University.

2002

Opened a fourth campus in Columbia, S.C., and became accredited to award doctoral degrees.

2003

Welcomed the first doctor of pharmacy class to the Savannah campus. Joined the Education Management Corporation, one of the largest providers of private post-secondary education in North America.

2004

Launched online bachelor's degree programs in information technology and business administration.

2005

Launched online bachelor's degree programs in nursing and criminal justice.

2006

Launched online master's degrees in business administration, criminal justice and healthcare administration.