The Saul Building - First Classroom Building Built on Campus

Saint Paul's Normal and Industrial School was founded in 1888 by Dr. James Solomon Russell. The name of the institution was changed to Saint Paul's Polytechnic Institute in 1941, and authority was granted to offer a four-year degree program.

In 1957 the name was changed to Saint Paul's College.

Saint Paul's College, a private, church-related, coeducational institution with a Christian heritage, has created an environment in which the attributes of integrity, objectivity, resourcefulness, scholarship, and responsible citizenship are emphasized. Its liberal arts, career-oriented, and teacher-education programs prepare graduates for effective participation in various aspects of human endeavor.

The College is intentionally small, yet its 600 students represent a wide variety of areas in the United States and several countries. Although there is a great diversity in the student body, the active campus life is characterized by a strong sense of camaraderie.

The College's beautifully landscaped 100-acre main campus is organized among the rolling lowlands of southern Virginia, approximately 1 hour from Richmond, Virginia and 1 1/2 hours from Raleigh, North Carolina. The nearby cities provide numerous cultural and recreational opportunities for Saint Paul's students.

The College is accredited by and holds membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (www.sacs.org). It is approved by the Virginia State Board of Education and is on the approved list of teacher-education colleges, enabling it to grant certification that is recognized throughout the United States. The College also holds membership in the Association of Episcopal Colleges and the United Negro College Fund. In addition, Saint Paul’s is a member of Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II.