Archives Digital Exhibits

The Many Names of Averett

During its first 60+ years, Averett University went by many different names.  It was not until 1917 that the name "Averett" was settled upon in honor of the Averett family - most notably Samuel Wootten Averett (Co-Principal, 1872-87) and John Taylor Averett (1st College President, 1873-92).  Below is a list of the many names of Averett University, and the years in which they were used.

Campus on Patton Street

1854 - 1858                 Danville Female Institute       

1858 - 1859                 Baptist Female Seminary

1859 - 1864                 Union Female College

1864 - 1893                 Trustees of Roanoke Female College

1893 - 1904                 Roanoke Female College

1904 - 1910                 Roanoke College

Campus on West Main Street

     1910 - April 1917        Roanoke Institute

     May 1917                    Danville College for Young Women             

     June 1917 - 2001        Averett College

     July 2001 - present      Averett University