Winthrop University

Winthrop University was founded In 1886, when the Peabody Education Board of Massachusetts, headed by Robert Charles Winthrop, provided $1,500 to form the Winthrop Training School for white women teachers. That year the school opened its doors to twenty-one students in Columbia, South Carolina. The school's name would change twice in quick succession, first to the South Carolina Industrial and Winthrop Normal College in 1891 and then to the Winthrop Normal and Industrial College of South Carolina in 1893, before moving to Rock Hill, its current home, in 1895. The school's name had changed to reflect its mission to prepare some students for industrial jobs.

A fourth name change followed in 1920, when the school became the Winthrop College, the South Carolina College for Women. During the 1920s, Winthrop College would become the second largest women's college in the United States.

The college remained segregated until 1964, and it became fully coeducational in 1974. With this change, brought about by an act of the state legislature, the school became just Winthrop College. Evolving from a training school to a college with a four-year full curriculum, it also developed a graduate division. By 1992 it reflected this development, changing its name to Winthrop University.{{cite web |url=http://www.winthrop.edu/aboutus/secondary.aspx?id=31352#early |title=Winthrop University Chronology |access-date=October 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907182545/http://www.winthrop.edu/aboutus/secondary.aspx?id=31352#early |archive-date=September 7, 2015 }}

File:Tillman Hall (Winthrop University).jpg, built 1894|alt=|left]]The university's campus is in the city of Rock Hill, South Carolina. The Winthrop College Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), as are Tillman Hall and Withers Building.{{cite web | title = Welcome to the Winthrop Virtual Tour! | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthrop.edu/tour/tour.htm | access-date = 2007-07-26 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070621192540/http://www.winthrop.edu/tour/tour.htm | archive-date = 2007-06-21 }} The Winthrop University campus has its own zip code of 29733. Rock Hill has a total of five historic districts listed on the NRHP.

Winthrop's campus is divided into two distinct areas: The main campus which houses the academic buildings, residence halls, library and campus center, and the more recently constructed {{convert|317|acre|ha|1|adj=on}} Recreational and Research Complex, located about one mile northeast of the main campus.

Winthrop's main campus has had extensive development since the late 20th century. A $12 million Dalton Hall opened in 1999.{{cite web | title = Master of Science in Biology | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthrop.edu/biology/graduate/graddefault.htm | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927223347/http://www.winthrop.edu/biology/graduate/graddefault.htm | archive-date = 2007-09-27 }} The Courtyard at Winthrop, which features apartment-style residences for students, opened in 2003.{{cite web | title = Courtyard at Winthrop | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthrop.edu/tour/courtyard.htm | access-date = 2007-07-26 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930015634/http://www.winthrop.edu/tour/courtyard.htm | archive-date = 2007-09-30 }} The Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center opened in 2007; it is the new home of the university's physical education department and intramural sports.{{cite web | title = West Center | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthrop.edu/westcenter/ | access-date = 2012-03-21 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120307134318/http://www.winthrop.edu/westcenter/ | archive-date = 2012-03-07 }} The most recent addition, in 2010, is the DiGiorgio Campus Center, which added a {{convert|128000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} multi-purpose campus center. This features a 225-seat movie theater, food court, campus bookstore, post office, and casual dining. The DiGiorgio Center is connected to the West Center via an open-air plaza.

The Research Complex hosts the Piedmont Wetlands Research Project, a golf course (open to faculty, students and alumni), and a world-class disc golf course. (This has been the site of the United States Disc Golf Championship since its opening in 1999).{{cite web|title=Tournament History|url=http://usdgc.com/tournament-history/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703021338/http://usdgc.com/tournament-history/|archive-date=2007-07-03|access-date=2007-07-26|publisher=United States Disc Golf Championship}}

Winthrop's campus has served as the site for filming of numerous movies, television and other video productions, including the 2008 film Asylum (starring Sarah Roemer), and the 1999 film The Rage: Carrie 2. Additionally, the Winthrop Coliseum has hosted numerous television tapings of various syndicated television programs.

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Appointed by the board of trustees, the university president is the chief administrative officer of Winthrop University. George W. Hynd was appointed Interim President in January 2020 and succeeded Daniel F. Mahony who had served since 2015.{{Cite web|title=Board of Trustees Appoints George W. Hynd as Interim President|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/news-events/board-of-trustees-appoints-george-w-hynd-as-interim-president.aspx|access-date=2021-07-22|website=www.winthrop.edu}} The university president is responsible for the administration of the university and oversees budgeting and financial planning, enrollment and admissions, academic planning, university facilities, and other matters.

The Winthrop University Board of Trustees consists of fifteen members, including the governor of South Carolina and the State Superintendent of Education (or their designees). According to the bylaws, the board of trustees has the “authority and responsibility for the governance of Winthrop University.”{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University Board of Trustees Bylaws|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/trustees/winthrop-university-board-of-trustees-bylaws.aspx|access-date=2021-07-22|website=www.winthrop.edu}} In addition to the university president, the board confirms the appointments of the provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, deans, vice presidents, and other administrators.

The university grants undergraduate degrees through four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the Richard W. Riley College of Education, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Winthrop is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's, and specialist degrees.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University: 404 Error Page|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/sacs/%257c/|access-date=2022-05-13|website=www.winthrop.edu}} In all the university offers 43 undergraduate and 40 graduate degrees and certificates.{{cite web|title=Winthrop University Student Handbook|url=http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/studentconduct/StudentHandbook.pdf|publisher=Winthrop University|access-date=December 11, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207031609/http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/studentconduct/StudentHandbook.pdf|archive-date=December 7, 2012}}

Winthrop is organized into four major academic colleges.

Founded in 1968, the College of Business Administration has Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree programs. Two Master of Business Administration degrees are offered at the graduate level. The College of Business Administration has been accredited by AACSB-International since 1979.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University: College of Business Administration|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/cba/|access-date=2021-07-13|website=www.winthrop.edu}}File:Winthrop College, Withers Building, Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill (York County, South Carolina).jpg College of Education (1912)]]

Created in 1968, the College of Education was renamed the Richard W. Riley College of Education in 2000.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University History - Chronology|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/aboutus/history/chronology.aspx|access-date=2021-07-13|website=www.winthrop.edu}} At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Science degree is offered. The Richard W. Riley College of Education has Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Science, and Master of Education graduate degree programs and an educational specialist in education leadership (Ed.S.) program.

File:Winthrop College Historic D.jpgThe College of Visual and Performing Arts was established in 1988 and consists of the departments of Design, Fine Arts, Music, and Theatre and Dance. At the undergraduate level, the College of Visual and Performing Arts has Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Design,{{Cite web|title=New Design Degree at Winthrop University Offers Four Options|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/news-events/new-design-degree-at-winthrop-university-offers-four-options.aspx|access-date=2021-07-21|website=www.winthrop.edu}} Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education degree programs. The Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Music, and Master of Music Education degrees are offered at the graduate level. Students and faculty produce over 100 music performances annually, theatre and dance performances, and numerous curated exhibitions in two campus art galleries.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University: College of Visual and Performing Arts|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/cvpa/|access-date=2021-07-13|website=www.winthrop.edu}} Winthrop University is one of 37 universities nationally—and the only public or private institution in South Carolina—with all arts programs accredited.{{Cite web|title=ArtsWinthrop – College of Visual + Performing Arts|url=http://www.artswinthrop.university/|access-date=2021-07-13|website=www.artswinthrop.university|language=en-US}}

Established in 1967, the College of Arts and Sciences has Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social Work programs. At the graduate level, the College of Arts and Sciences offers the Master of Liberal Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Social Work, and Master of Science degrees as well as a Specialist degree in school psychology.

Overseen by the Dean of University College and Vice Provost for Student Success, Winthrop's University College was created in 2003 to coordinate and support “programs in both academic affairs and student affairs.”{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University: University College|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/uc/|access-date=2021-07-24|website=www.winthrop.edu}} Although University College does not confer academic degrees, all undergraduate students are served by its various offices, resources, and range of programs. University College houses the Academic Success Center, Office of Undergraduate Research, and International Center. The university honors program, McNair Scholars Program, Leadership Studies Program, TRiO Achievers Program, and General Education Program are also major components of University College. Winthrop's University College allows faculty and staff to work across disciplines to ensure all students have a common academic foundation.

Founded in 1960, Winthrop University's Honors Program is among the oldest in the nation.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University: Honors Program - History|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/honors/history.aspx|access-date=2021-07-24|website=www.winthrop.edu}} Dr. John S. Eells served as the founding director of Winthrop's University Honors Program and was elected the fourth President of the National Collegiate Honors Council in 1970.  

Today over 250 students from each of Winthrop's four degree granting colleges participate in the University Honors Program. Honors Program students have access to early registration for classes, may enroll in small honors seminars, and receive honors academic advising.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University: Honors Program|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/honors/index.aspx|access-date=2021-07-24|website=www.winthrop.edu}} Many honors courses are taught at The Honors Center at The Courtyard at Winthrop, which offers a dedicated residence life program for University Honors Program students. Students must complete 23 hours of honors coursework, an honors thesis or other culminating experience, a service learning project, and maintain a minimum 3.30 grade point average to graduate with a University Honors Program degree.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University: Honors Program - Honors Program Requirements|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/honors/honors-program-requirements.aspx|access-date=2021-07-24|website=www.winthrop.edu}} Students who compete these requirements receive honors recognition and honors academic regalia at commencement.

Named after Winthrop University's first librarian, the current library building opened in 1969 in response to the university's growth.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University: Virtual Tour - Ida Jane Dacus Library|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/virtualtour/building-tour-ida-jane-dacus-library-1969.aspx|access-date=2021-07-22|website=www.winthrop.edu}} The Ida Jane Dacus Library contains 476,473 volumes, circulates 38,943 items per year, and participates in the interlibrary loan and PASCAL delivers programs.{{Cite web|title=libraries.org: Ida Jane Dacus Library|url=https://librarytechnology.org/libraries/search.pl?OrgName=Winthrop%20University|access-date=2021-07-22|website=librarytechnology.org}} The Louise Pettus Archives & Special Collections, housed in a separate structure on Cherry Road, contains original documents, manuscripts, and rare books about Winthrop University's history as well as the state of South Carolina's history, including the Catawba region.{{Cite web|last=Brame|first=DeAnn|title=Library Guides: Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections: Pettus Archives Home|url=https://libguides.library.winthrop.edu/archives/home|access-date=2021-07-22|website=libguides.library.winthrop.edu|language=en}} The academic and administrative affairs of both the Ida Jane Dacus Library and Louise Pettus Archives & Special Collections are overseen by the dean, who reports directly to the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.{{Cite web|title=Alumna Kaetrena Kendrick Named New Dean of Dacus Library and Pettus Archives|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/news-events/alumna-kaetrena-kendrick-named-new-dean-of-dacus-library-and-pettus-archives.aspx|access-date=2021-07-22|website=www.winthrop.edu}}

The university employs 286 full-time and 222 part-time faculty members, 59 of whom are classified as minorities and 290 of whom are women. Of the 286 full-time faculty members, 248 have earned their terminal degree, 34 have a non-terminal master's degree, and one has a non-terminal bachelor's degree.{{cite web | title = Common Data Set 2011-12, Part I: Instructional Faculty and Class Size | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/CDS_2011-2012_I._IFCS.pdf | access-date = 2012-12-11 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150920134506/http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/CDS_2011-2012_I._IFCS.pdf | archive-date = 2015-09-20 }} Currently, the student-faculty ratio is 12:1.{{cite web|title=About WU|url=http://www.winthrop.edu/aboutwu/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324164637/http://www.winthrop.edu/aboutwu/|archive-date=2012-03-24|access-date=2012-03-21|publisher=Winthrop University}}

In 2021, Winthrop was ranked as the #13 Best Regional University in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as the #7 Best College for Veterans and #11 Best College for Undergraduate Teaching.{{Cite web|title=US News - Winthrop University|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/winthrop-university-3456/overall-rankings}} Winthrop has been recognized as South Carolina's top-rated university according to evaluations conducted by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.{{cite web | title = Institutional Achievements | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthrop.edu/president/default.aspx?id=13011 | access-date = February 11, 2012 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111220013319/http://www.winthrop.edu/president/default.aspx?id=13011 | archive-date = December 20, 2011 }} Winthrop has been rated by the commission as "substantially exceeding standards" every year since that classification was created in 2003.

Admission to Winthrop is defined by U.S. News & Report as “selective” with an acceptance rate of 69%.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/winthrop-university-3456|access-date=24 July 2021|website=U.S. News & Report}} The average freshman had a 3.98 high school GPA and received an SAT (CR+M) score between 980-1200 and an ACT score between 19 and 25.{{Cite web|title=Winthrop University: Office of Admissions - Freshman Application Process|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/admissions/freshman-application-process.aspx|access-date=2021-07-24|website=www.winthrop.edu}}

The university has 6,073 students. Undergraduate students come from 42 U.S. states and 45 countries. There are 135 undergraduate international students enrolled.{{cite web|title=Official Fall 2012 Undergraduate Student Profile|url=http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/OfficialUndergraduateProfile_WEB.pdf|publisher=Winthrop University|access-date=11 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616093615/http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/OfficialUndergraduateProfile_WEB.pdf|archive-date=16 June 2015}} The majority of Winthrop's students are from South Carolina, with out-of-state and foreign students accounting for 13% of undergraduate enrollment.

Of the student population, 5,014 are undergraduate students and 1,059 are graduate students. The student body is 29 percent male and 71 percent female. The student body is 28 percent African-American and 60 percent white, non-Hispanic.

The university's average size of undergraduate lecture courses is 22 students. All freshman and second-year students are required to live on campus, unless they live at home with their parents or legal guardians.{{cite web | title = Common Data Set 2009–2010 | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www2.winthrop.edu/research/CDS/09CDS/CDS2009_10_B.pdf | access-date = 2009-10-15 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120321173613/http://www2.winthrop.edu/research/CDS/09CDS/CDS2009_10_B.pdf | archive-date = 2012-03-21 }} Ninety-one (91%) percent of freshman and forty-five (45%) percent of all undergraduate students live on-campus.{{cite web|title=Common Data Set 2011-112, Part B: Student Life|url=http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/CDS_2011-2012_F.StudentLife.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920114726/http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/CDS_2011-2012_F.StudentLife.pdf|archive-date=2015-09-20|access-date=2012-12-11|publisher=Winthrop University}}

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Winthrop's DiGiorgio Student Union Program Board has been ranked the best Program Board in the nation three times for the quality and variety of programming, including both lecturers and entertainers. The trade publication Campus Activities Magazine has ranked the university as having the "Best Campus Program" in the nation in 1995, 2002, 2004, and 2013. Winthrop is the only university in the nation to be on the ballot every year since this award was inaugurated in 1995.

In addition to completing the academic requirements of their chosen degree, full-time Winthrop undergraduates, in order to graduate, are required to attend three cultural events for every 20 semester hours.{{cite web | title = The Cultural Events Requirement | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www2.winthrop.edu/public/policy/fullpolicy.aspx?pid=34 | access-date = 2015-01-29 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150302141843/http://www2.winthrop.edu/public/policy/fullpolicy.aspx?pid=34 | archive-date = 2015-03-02 }} The university maintains an extensive calendar of events that qualify as being "cultural events".{{cite web | title = Cultural Events | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthrop.edu/culturalevents/events.aspx | access-date = 2015-01-29 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150219144750/http://www.winthrop.edu/culturalevents/events.aspx | archive-date = 2015-02-19 }}

The university has more than 180 student organizations.

The university recognizes 19 chapters of national fraternities and sororities with over 700 students members.{{Cite web|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/ofsa/|title=Winthrop University: Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs - Home Page for the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs|website=www.winthrop.edu|access-date=2019-01-10}}

The Johnsonian, Winthrop's independent weekly student newspaper, has been published since 1923.{{Cite web|url=http://mytjnow.com/|title=My TJ Now - Winthrop University Student Newspaper|website=My TJ Now|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-10}} In 2016, it was voted as the top student newspaper in the state of South Carolina by the S.C. Press Association.{{Cite web|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/news-events/article.aspx?id=44158|title=Winthrop University: News & Events - The Johnsonian Wins First-Place Student Newspaper in the State|website=www.winthrop.edu|access-date=2019-01-10}}

{{Main|Winthrop Eagles}}

The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes on the Division I level.

Winthrop is a charter member of the Big South Conference.{{cite web | title = Big South Conference History | publisher = Big South Conference | url = http://www.bigsouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4800&KEY=&ATCLID=130896 | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081230090546/http://www.bigsouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4800&KEY=&ATCLID=130896 | archive-date = 2008-12-30 }} Winthrop's teams are known as the Eagles and their colors are garnet and gold.{{cite web | title = Winthrop Athletics | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthropeagles.com/ | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070728010618/http://www.winthropeagles.com/ | archive-date = 2007-07-28 }}

The university sponsors 18 intercollegiate teams (eight men's, 10 women's, one co-ed) in baseball, basketball, cross country running, golf, soccer, and track and field on the men's side, and basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track and volleyball on the women's side.{{cite web | title = Winthrop Eagles | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthropeagles.com | access-date = 2011-09-06 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110916213040/http://www.winthropeagles.com/ | archive-date = 2011-09-16 }} The esports team is the only co-ed athletics program.

The university has labeled itself "The Campus of Champions" as its intercollegiate athletic teams have experienced success in recent years. Specifically, the university has won numerous Big South Conference championships in the following sports: baseball (three since 1995), men's basketball (eleven since 1988), men's cross country (two since 2000), men's soccer (six since 2002), men's tennis (four since 1997*), women's tennis (20 since 1994*), softball (three since 1989), women's lacrosse (two since 2015), and women's volleyball (four since 2002).

The tennis programs were discontinued in 2020 due to financial losses from the university caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-19|title=Winthrop eliminates men's, women's tennis|url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/29335904/winthrop-cuts-mens-women-tennis-cites-pandemic-effects|access-date=2021-03-20|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}

In 2024, Winthrop made US national news when it became the first Division 1 college to offer scholarships to play cornhole.{{Cite news |last=Gay |first=Jason |title=Next Frontier for College Sports: Cornhole Scholarships |url=https://www.wsj.com/sports/cornhole-college-scholarships-winthrop-ef04b928 |access-date=2024-05-05 |work=WSJ |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Melnick |first=Kyle |date=2024-02-18 |title=Teen cornhole players got athletic scholarships. Even they were shocked. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/02/15/cornhole-college-scholarships-winthrop-sports/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}

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At the heart of the university's athletic facilities is the Winthrop Coliseum. In addition to serving as the home venue of the men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams, the university's athletic department offices are located in the Coliseum. The arena features 6,100 permanent seats and hosts numerous non-university shows and events in addition to Winthrop athletic contests.{{cite web | title = Winthrop Coliseum | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=20 | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070818022328/http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=20 | archive-date = 2007-08-18 }} The Coliseum also served as the temporary practice site of the NFL's Carolina Panthers until completion of the team's facilities in Charlotte.{{cite web|title=Carolina Panthers History | publisher = National Football League | url = http://www.panthers.com/Team/Default.aspx?id=798 | access-date = 2007-07-27

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927021924/http://www.panthers.com/Team/Default.aspx?id=798 |archive-date = 2007-09-27}}

The Winthrop baseball team plays at Winthrop Ballpark, a multimillion-dollar 1,989-seat baseball stadium which opened in 2003.{{cite web | title = Winthrop's New Ballpark Is A 'Jewel' | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=1&type=article&id=48 | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222541/http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=1&type=article&id=48 | archive-date = 2007-09-27 }}

Opened in 2005, the university's track and field teams compete on the $2.8 million Irwin Belk Track Complex. The facility hosts numerous Division 1 meets.{{cite web | title = The Irwin Belk Track | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthrop.edu/tour/winthroptrack.htm | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930015936/http://www.winthrop.edu/tour/winthroptrack.htm | archive-date = 2007-09-30 }}

The university's soccer teams compete at the recently completed Eagle Field. The facility features 1,800 permanent seats, a press box, field house, and a Daktronics LCD scoreboard. In addition, the playing field is a Tifway 419 hybrid Bermuda grass with Eagle Blend and Sun Star.{{cite web | title = Winthrop University Soccer Complex | url = http://www.birdnest.org/posipankor/Soccer%20Complex.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060526100636/http://www.birdnest.org/posipankor/Soccer%20Complex.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2006-05-26 | access-date = 2007-07-27 }}

The softball team competes at the Winthrop Softball Complex, which opened in 2001. The facility includes four fields, locker rooms, and an indoor batting cage.{{cite web | title = Winthrop Softball Complex | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthrop.edu/tour/softballcomplex.htm | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927223903/http://www.winthrop.edu/tour/softballcomplex.htm | archive-date = 2007-09-27 }}

{{Main|Winthrop Eagles men's basketball}}

Perhaps the university's most well-known athletic team is the men's basketball team, which has earned a berth in twelve NCAA Division I men's basketball tournaments since 1999. Additionally, it has won the Big South Conference Championship thirteen times (1988, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2017, 2020, and 2021).{{cite web | title = Men's Basketball | publisher = Winthrop University | url = http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=2 | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070718115031/http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=2 | archive-date = 2007-07-18 }} Winthrop has won more Big South Conference Championships than any other school in the conference.

On March 5, 2007, the Winthrop Eagles men's basketball team was ranked in the Top 25 of both major college basketball polls for the first time in school history.{{cite news | title = Winthrop Cracks The Top 25 In Men's Basketball National Rankings | publisher = Winthrop University | date = 2007-03-05 | url = http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=2&type=story&id=4164 | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222527/http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=2&type=story&id=4164 | archive-date = 2007-09-27 }} The Eagles were ranked #22 in the USA TODAY/ESPN Top 25 poll and #24 on the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll. Later that spring on March 16, 2007, the Winthrop Eagles defeated Notre Dame for the first NCAA men's basketball tournament win in school history.{{cite news | title = Winthrop Upsets No. 6 Seed Notre Dame 74–64 In NCAA First Round | publisher = Winthrop University | date = 2007-03-16 | url = http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=2&type=story&id=4164 | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222527/http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=2&type=story&id=4164 | archive-date = 2007-09-27 }}

Seven men's basketball championships came during Gregg Marshall's tenure as head coach. He left Winthrop to become the head coach at Wichita State University. Marshall's assistant at Winthrop Randy Peele was named as his successor and led the Eagles to win Big South Championships in 2008 and 2010.{{cite news | title = Peele Takes Over After Four Years As Assistant Coach | publisher = Winthrop University | date = 2007-03-16 | url = http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=2&type=story&id=4258 | access-date = 2007-07-27 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222534/http://www.winthropeagles.com/default.asp?section=2&type=story&id=4258 | archive-date = 2007-09-27 }}

In March 2012, Winthrop named Pat Kelsey as the new head coach of the Eagles.{{cite web|title=Men's Basketball Coaching Staff|url=http://www.winthropeagles.com/coaches.aspx?rc=438&path=mbball|publisher=Winthrop Eagles|access-date=11 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309135216/http://www.winthropeagles.com/coaches.aspx?rc=438&path=mbball|archive-date=9 March 2013}} Under Kelsey, the program had a record of 186–95. In 2017, the Eagles earned a #13 seed in the NCAA tournament but lost to #4 Butler in the opening round. The Eagles earned an automatic bid into the 2020 NCAA tournament, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Eagles earned a #12 seed in the NCAA tournament and lost to #5 Villanova in the first round. Kelsey left Winthrop following the 2021 season to become head coach at the College of Charleston.{{Cite web|last=Clark|first=Dave|title=Cincinnati's Pat Kelsey leaves Winthrop to become Charleston's head coach|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/othercolleges/2021/03/25/pat-kelsey-leaving-winthrop-eagles-college-charleston-cougars-head-coach-cincinnati-elder-xavier/7004164002/|access-date=2021-05-26|website=The Enquirer|language=en-US}}

{{wide image|Winthrop-DGC-Panorama.jpg|750px|Hole #17 on both the Lakefront and Gold disc golf courses at Winthrop University}}

• Elizabeth Friench Johnson, head of Modern Languages department from 1922 to 1955{{Cite news|date=1960-02-20|title=Dr. Johnson New Educator on Centre Staff|pages=2|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73963742/dr-johnson-new-educator-on-centre-staff/|access-date=2021-03-20|via=Newspapers.com}}
• Louise Siddall, composer, music department chair{{Cite news |date=9 December 1935 |newspaper=The Charlotte Observer |pages=10}}
• Ruth Stokes, mathematician, cryptologist, and astronomer{{citation|last=Lee|first=Susanna O.|contribution=Chapter 21: Dr. Ruth W. Stokes|year=2016|title=From Winthrop to Washington|url=https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/winthroptowashington/21|publisher=Winthrop College}}

{{alumni|date=August 2024}}

• Lakeyta Bonnette-Bailey, academic
• Mildred M. Jordan, medical librarian

• DeAndrea Benjamin, Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
• Ruth Williams Cupp, South Carolina state legislator
• Steven Dillingham (1973), director of the United States Census Bureau{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/01/02/667063727/senate-confirms-trumps-census-bureau-director-nominee-steven-dillingham|title=Senate Confirms Trump's Census Bureau Director Nominee Steven Dillingham|website=NPR.org|date=2 January 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-01-16|last1=Wang|first1=Hansi Lo}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/senate-confirms-new-census-bureau-director-as-2020-survey-approaches/2019/01/03/5599b2d2-0fa0-11e9-831f-3aa2c2be4cbd_story.html |title=Senate confirms new Census Bureau director as 2020 survey approaches |last=Bahrampour |first=Tara |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en|access-date=2019-01-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/news-events/article.aspx?id=54151|title=Winthrop University: News & Events - Winthrop Alumnus Confirmed as Census Bureau Director|website=www.winthrop.edu|access-date=2019-01-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.science.org/content/article/census-bureau-nominee-becomes-lightning-rod-debate-over-2020-census|title=Census Bureau nominee becomes lightning rod for debate over 2020 census|last1=Mervis |first1=Jeffrey |date=2018-07-20|website=Science |publisher=AAAS|language=en|access-date=2019-01-16}}
• Mary Gordon Ellis (1913), first woman elected to the South Carolina legislature{{cite web|url=https://www.nwhm.org/online-exhibits/legislators/South_Carolina.html|title=Women Wielding Power-South Carolina|work=nwhm.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906090551/https://www.nwhm.org/online-exhibits/legislators/South_Carolina.html|archive-date=6 September 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=10 September 2015}}
• Martha Thomas Fitzgerald (1916), first woman elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in a general election{{cite journal|url=http://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/manuscriptcollection_findingaids/58/|title="Martha Thomas Fitzgerald Papers - Accession 273" by Martha Thomas Fitzgerald|journal=Winthrop.edu|date=January 1987|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226013717/http://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/manuscriptcollection_findingaids/58/|archive-date=26 December 2015|url-status=live|access-date=11 September 2015|last1=Fitzgerald|first1=Martha}}
• Kambrell Garvin, member of the South Carolina House of Representatives [https://www.scstatehouse.gov/member.php?code=0657954467]
• Chip Huggins (1987), member of South Carolina House of Representatives[http://www.scstatehouse.net/members/bios/0897727165.html Chip Huggins] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070524125524/http://www.scstatehouse.net/members/bios/0897727165.html|date=May 24, 2007}} SC House bio
• Ann McCrory, First Lady of North Carolina
• Terence Roberts, mayor of Anderson, South Carolina
• Gary Simrill, former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
• Linda H. Short (1984), former South Carolina State senator[http://www.scstatehouse.net/members/bios/1688636161.html Linda Short] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821015226/http://www.scstatehouse.net/members/bios/1688636161.html|date=2007-08-21}} SC Senate bio
• Lois Rhame West (1943), First Lady of South Carolina (1971–1975); first woman to chair the Muscular Dystrophy Association; co-chair of Winthrop's first capital campaign{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/05/06/5936413/winthrop-alum-lois-rhame-west.html|title=Winthrop alum Lois Rhame West, former SC first lady and 'bright light,' dies|last=O'Mara|first=Dan|date=2014-05-06|work=The Herald (Rock Hill)|access-date=2014-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164016/http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/05/06/5936413/winthrop-alum-lois-rhame-west.html|archive-date=2014-07-14|url-status=live}}
• Kate Vixon Wofford (1916), first woman to hold elected office in South Carolina{{cite web|url=http://www.winthrop.edu/recservices/default.aspx?id=3168|title=Winthrop University: Recreational Services – Wofford Hall – 1967|work=winthrop.edu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623155659/http://www.winthrop.edu/recservices/default.aspx?id=3168|archive-date=23 June 2016|url-status=live|access-date=10 September 2015}}

• Pi'erre Bourne (Jordan Timothy Jenks), music producer and rapper{{Cite web |author=Noisey Staff |last2=Benz |first2=Tyler |last3=Staple |first3=Justin |date=2017-08-07 |title=Yo, Pi'erre Bourne Is Out of Here |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/d37ajw/yo-pierre-bourne-is-out-of-here |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Vice |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The life of Pi'erre Bourne |url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/12/04/pierre-bourne-the-life-of-pierre-magnolia-interview |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=The FADER |language=en}}
• Cathy Smith Bowers (BA, 1972; MA, 1976), poet and professor; North Carolina Poet Laureate (2010–2012)
• Leigh Chapman, screenwriter, television writer and actress{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/leigh-chapman-actress-and-screenwriter-dies-at-75-1201354159/|title=Leigh Chapman, Actress and Screenwriter, Dies at 75|last=Burlingame|first=Jon|date=2014-11-07|work=Variety|access-date=2014-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127191717/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/leigh-chapman-actress-and-screenwriter-dies-at-75-1201354159/|archive-date=2014-11-27|url-status=live}}
• Matthew Cordell, Caldecott-award-winning children's book illustrator
• Bob Crawford, jazz guitarist; bass player for Grammy-nominated The Avett Brothers
• Anne King Gregorie (A.B., 1906),{{cite news |date=1906-05-18 |title=Winthrop Commencement |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/339362534/ |newspaper=Yorkville Enquirer |location=York, SC |via=Newspapers.com |volume=51 |issue=40 |page=2 |url-access=limited |access-date=2024-08-29}} historian and author; first woman to be granted a doctorate in history by the University of South Carolina{{cite news |date=1951-09-23 |title=Sumter Historians Will Hear Dr. Anne Gregorie October 1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/749240689/ |newspaper=The State |via=Newspapers.com |volume=60 |issue=21,958 |page=11-B |access-date=2024-08-30 |url-access=limited}}
• Shanola Hampton, actress best known for her role in the television show Shameless
• Mary Gaulden Jagger (1942), one of the founding members of the National Organization for Women
• Chris Leroux, professional baseball player and star of The Bachelor Canada (2017)
• Andie MacDowell, Golden Globe nominated actress, attended Winthrop from 1976 to 1978
• Jan Millsapps, filmmaker
• Desmond Pringle, gospel musician
• Thomas James Reddy, artist, poet, activist

• Craig Bradshaw (2007), basketball player
• Xavier Cooks (2017), basketball player
• Lucille Godbold, gold medalist for shot put in the 1922 Women's World Games
• John Gilkerson (2007), soccer player
• Henry Kalungi (2009), soccer player
• David Kenga (2006), soccer player
• Otto Loewy (2009), soccer player
• Michael Luk (2009), soccer player
• Stephen Nsereko (2010), soccer player
• Marco Reda (2000), soccer player
• Kevin Slowey (2003), baseball player
• Matt Stinson, soccer player

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