Davidson is a highly selective independent liberal arts college for 1,800 students located 20 minutes north of Charlotte in Davidson, N.C. Since its establishment in 1837 by Presbyterians, the college has graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars and is consistently regarded as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. Through The Davidson Trust, the college became the first liberal arts institution in the nation to replace loans with grants in all financial aid packages, giving all students the opportunity to graduate debt-free. Davidson competes in NCAA athletics at the Division 
I level, and a longstanding Honor Code is central to student life at the college.
At a Glance
Davidson College is located north of Charlotte, North Carolina in the town of Davidson, and today enrolls approximately 1,700 men and women. This historic 450-acre campus is an excellent choice for the student who seeks a vigorous undergraduate education in a residential environment.
Affordability
Davidson is a national leader on affordability initiatives, with need-blind admission and meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need with a combination of grants and student employment. Davidson was the first liberal arts college to eliminate the loan component in financial aid packages.
Academic Experience
Personal relationships with your professors and classes limited to 20 students allow for the development of creative, collaborative relationships resulting in a unique academic experience
Distinctly Davidson
A variety of options and opportunities set Davidson apart including its strong Honor Code, committment to community service and Division I athletics
Fast Facts
Take a quick glance at facts and statistics about Davidson that define the college as a unique and exciting educational environment.
Location
Moderate year round temperatures, located near the mountains, the beach, and the city of Charlotte, Davidson offers the best of all worlds.
Traditions
Heritage
Davidson College is an institution of higher learning established in 1837 by Presbyterians of North Carolina. Since its founding, the ties that bind the college to its Presbyterian heritage, including the historic understanding of Christian faith called The Reformed Tradition, have remained close and strong. The college is committed to continuing this vital relationship.
As a college that welcomes students, faculty, and staff from a variety of nationalities, ethnic groups, and traditions, Davidson values diversity, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person. Therefore, Davidson provides a range of opportunities for worship, civil debate, and teaching that enrich mind and spirit. Further, Davidson challenges students to engage in service to prepare themselves for lives of growth and giving.
Honor Code
For more than three decades, respect for the Honor Code has permitted Davidson students the unusual freedom of scheduling their own exams and taking them in any classroom of the college’s main academic building—unproctored.
Initiated in 1971, the benefits of self-scheduled exams gives students a significant stake in making sure the Honor Code is maintained throughout the academic year. President Emeritus Samuel Spencer made that point strongly in a 1979 memo, writing, “Because it is a privilege that students prize and want to keep, the self-scheduled exam system injects an element of self-interest which reinforces student support of the Honor Code as a whole… they are an added incentive to reinforcement of the concept of a campus community based on honor.”
The Honor Code, signed by every entering student, states that “Every student shall be honor bound to refrain from cheating (including plagiarism). Every student shall be honor bound to refrain from stealing….from lying about official college business….Every student shall be honor bound to report immediately all violations of the Honor System which come under his or her observation….”
Freshman Cake Race
A tradition that has endured by allowing change to happen.
Freshmen year is a nervous and scary experience for almost every Davidson student. For the incoming class of ‘34 the experience was made even more grueling by a mandatory 1.7 mile race. This race, which has been held every year since, (except during WWII and 1972) has become a trademark of Davidson College and its incoming freshmen; it is the Cake Race (On your mark…get set…go for Cake). Although the race has been an annual event for the past seventy-three years, it has gone through some alterations in order to keep up with the changing face of Davidson College.
The race was established by Davidson track Coach Pete Whittle; his goal was to uncover hidden talent in the incoming freshmen class and ask them to come out for the track team (Conn). Fortunately, Coach Whittle knew that forcing the freshmen class to run almost two-miles could not be done without an incentive, and that is where the “cake” in Cake Race comes in. Currently, cakes are the only reward waiting for the winners at the end of the race, but when the tradition first began, items such as “haircuts, picture shows, and various other remunerations offered by the different industrial and economic organizations in Davidson” were given out as well (Morrow Comes in First in Freshmen Cake Race). (Mayer) The cakes rewarded to the winners are donated by people in the Davidson Community, mostly professors or their spouse. The Cake Race is not simply a competition between runners; it is also a contest to see who can bake the best cake. Participation today is now voluntary; whereas, in the beginning “The race was mandatory unless you were in the infirmary or had only one leg” (On your mark…get set…go for Cake). Despite the changes, the race still brings out many participants and spectators every year.
Visiting Davidson
Accommodations
The Carnegie Guest House on campus and a variety of accommodations throughout the area provide lodging options for all campus visitors
Dining
Local dining options for your visit to Davidson College include a variety of on-campus choices and additional local restaurants a short walk or drive away
Transportation
Davidson is conveniently located near Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and is served by public transportation from the Charlotte area
Statement of Purpose
Davidson seeks students of good character and high academic ability, irrespective of economic circumstances
– Davidson College, Statement of Purpose
On September 24, 1964, the Statement of Purpose drafted by the Committee on the Statement of Purpose was presented to and unanimously approved by the trustees. The final statement was published in the 1964-1965 College Catalogue. Since its inclusion in the college constitution, the Statement of Purpose has undergone both minor and significant alterations. Although minor word alterations took place after its passage in 1964, the Statement of Purpose remained largely intact until revisions passed in 1994 and in 2005.
Davidson College is an institution of higher learning established in 1837 by Presbyterians of North Carolina. Since its founding, the ties that bind the college to its Presbyterian heritage, including the historic understanding of Christian faith called The Reformed Tradition, have remained close and strong. The college is committed to continuing this vital relationship.
The primary purpose of Davidson College is to assist students in developing humane instincts and disciplined and creative minds for lives of leadership and service. In fulfilling its purpose, Davidson has chosen to be a liberal arts college, to maintain itself as a residential community of scholars, to emphasize the teaching responsibility of all professors, and to ensure the opportunity for personal relationships between students and teachers. Further, Davidson believes it is vital that all students in every class know and study under mature and scholarly teachers who are able and eager to provide for each of them stimulation, instruction, and guidance.
The Christian tradition to which Davidson remains committed recognizes God as the source of all truth, and believes that Jesus Christ is the revelation of that God, a God bound by no church or creed. The loyalty of the college thus extends beyond the Christian community to the whole of humanity and necessarily includes openness to and respect for the world’s various religious traditions. Davidson dedicates itself to the quest for truth and encourages teachers and students to explore the whole of reality, whether physical or spiritual, with unlimited employment of their intellectual powers. At Davidson, faith and reason work together in mutual respect and benefit toward growth in learning, understanding, and wisdom.
As a college that welcomes students, faculty, and staff from a variety of nationalities, ethnic groups, and traditions, Davidson values diversity, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person. Therefore, Davidson provides a range of opportunities for worship, civil debate, and teaching that enrich mind and spirit. Further, Davidson challenges students to engage in service to prepare themselves for lives of growth and giving.
Davidson seeks students of good character and high academic ability, irrespective of economic circumstances, who share its values and show promise for usefulness to society. In the selection of faculty, the college seeks men and women who respect the purpose of the college, who are outstanding intellectually, who have the best training available in their fields of study, and whose interest in students and teaching is unfeigned and profound. The Trustees commit to being faithful stewards of the traditions of the college. They are charged with governing under the Constitution and By-laws and with providing the financial resources necessary for adequate student aid and appropriate facilities and programs, including furnishing the faculty with the time and opportunity for creative scholarship fundamental to the best teaching.
As a liberal arts college, Davidson emphasizes those studies, disciplines, and activities that are mentally, spiritually, and physically liberating. Thus, the college concentrates upon the study of history, literature and languages, philosophy and religion, music, drama and the visual arts, the natural and social sciences, and mathematics. The college encourages student engagement with other cultures through domestic and international studies. The college also requires physical education, provides for competitive athletics, and encourages a variety of social, cultural, and service activities. While Davidson prepares many of its students for graduate and professional study, it intends to teach all students to think clearly, to make relevant and valid judgments, to discriminate among values, and to communicate freely with others in the realm of ideas.
Davidson holds a priceless heritage bequeathed by those who have dedicated their lives and their possessions for its welfare. To it much has been entrusted, and of it much is required.
Residence Life
Davidson’s Residence Life program is dedicated to providing safe, secure and comfortable residential communities that support and enhance student academic performance and social development.
Residence Life promotes respect and responsibility among individuals in our community and encourages students to learn from one another to become model citizens.
Athletics
Prospective Davidson Recruits
At Davidson, we maintain high expectations for our athletics program. We work hard to attract student-athletes who aspire to compete against a challenging schedule as they contribute to our long tradition of NCAA Division I athletics. Our programs strive to promote personal growth and develop leadership skills in our student-athletes, and to provide a learning opportunity that is as meaningful and memorable as any other part of the Davidson experience.
Facilities > Baker Sports Complex
Address:
200 Baker Drive
Description:
The Baker Sports Complex is the nucleus of Davidson’s athletic program. It is home to events, meetings, training, dining, administrative offices for staff and a state-of-the-art athletic medical facility.
The complex is home to Davidson’s men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s tennis teams. Baker also includes several team locker rooms, two weight rooms, three racquetball courts, one squash court, a dance studio and a modern athletic training room.
Located just to the rear of Baker Sports Complex is the entrance to Davidson’s scenic cross country course, which serves as training ground for the Wildcat cross country teams.
The complex opened in 1989 and is named for the Baker Family. Thompson S. Baker, Class of 1926, played football at Davidson during the most successful years in Davidson football history and also served as the student body president.
FACILITIES > RICHARDSON STADIUM
Address:
201 Faculty Drive
Description:
Newly renovated beginning in 1998, Richardson Stadium is the home to Stephen B. Smith Field and Irwin Belk Track. Seating up to 6,000 fans, Richardson resonates with memories of homecoming and alumni cake races. Richardson Stadium also holds the Hubbard Family Football Locker Rooms and the Doe Weight Room.
Football and Lacrosse both compete on Smith Field. The NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship was hosted by Davidson at Richardson Stadium for three consecutive years (1992-94), launching the College Cup to national attention. In 1994, the tourney drew a then-record crowd of 23,818 people in two days.
Richardson Stadium had its inaugural season in 1923, due to the generous gift of Lunsford Richardson, Jr., Class of 1914 and Henry Smith Richardson, Class of 1906, in memory of their father, Lunsford Richardson, Sr., Class of 1875.
Facilities > Alumni Soccer Stadium
Address:
405 Ridge Road
Description:
The Alumni Stadium is dedicated solely to the varsity soccer programs. The complex features a state-of-the-art field, bleacher seats for 2,000 fans, a brick clubhouse that includes men’s and women’s locker rooms, a scoreboard, lights, and another brick structure with restrooms, concessions, and a ticket booth.
The complex was built on the site of the previous soccer field. Officially dedicated on November 2, 2004, the new Alumni Stadium was fully functional for the 2005 season and is named in honor of the contributions from Davidson soccer alumni.
Wilson Field
Address:
202 Martin Court Drive
Description:
The Davidson Wildcats dedicated their newly-renovated baseball field, formerly Wildcat Park and now Wilson Field on March 19, 2005, exactly 38 years after the first game was played at that location. The facilities include a baseball clubhouse and batting cages. Lights were installed in 2003 with the first night game played in March of 2003. During the 2009 season, the 2009 Team Practice Facility was completed and put into use. The facility, located beside Wilson Field behind the clubhouse, houses the indoor cages that allows the Wildcats the ability to practice year-round.
Wilson Field was so named in honor of T. Henry Wilson, Jr., Class of 1951, a former baseball and football player at the college. The facelift to the ball park included a new infield surface, bleachers, press box, concession stand and bathroom, as well as landscaping and fencing around the facility. The project would not have been possible without the generous support of the Wilson family.
Carol Grotnes Belk Turf Field
Address:
205 Ridge Road
Description:
The first synthetic turf field on campus, the Carol Grotnes Belk Turf field is home to the field hockey teams and features grandstands, a soft synthetic carpet field, and lights for night play. The turf’s three layers-carpet on top of rubber on top of cement-make it durable, weather-resistant, and safe. The facility also provides an alternative practice venue for the women’s lacrosse and football teams on rainy days with lines marked on the surface for all three sports.
The field is named in honor of Carol Grotnes Belk from a gift by her husband, Irwin Belk, Class of 1945.
Covington Tennis Courts
Address:
Intersection of Baker Drive and Patterson Court Circle
Description:
The Covington Tennis Court facility is the home of the Wildcat Mens and Women’s Tennis teams, in addition to the indoor courts at the Knobloch Indoor Tennis Center. The courts are named for Howard Wall Convington, Class of 1937.
In 2009, the courts were completely renovated with a new playing surface that gives the Wildcats one of the premiere surfaces in the Southern Conference.
Lake Campus
Address:
152 Lake Campus Drive
Description:
In its 47 years, the Lake Campus has proven to be a huge success. Students can enjoy 109.6 acres of water front property on beautiful Lake Norman. Located seven miles from campus, the Lake Campus provides Davidson students with the unique opportunity to be involved in a variety of water activities as well as a home for club sailing and crew teams. It also provides for numerous other recreational activities that benefit the school as a whole, such as Odyssey campouts, freshman orientation social, and departmental cookouts.
Stowe Tennis House and Courts
Address:
204 Baker Drive
Description:
The building was erected in 1968 to the northwest of the current varsity courts (now the clay courts). It is named for Robert Lee Stowe, Jr., Class of 1924, a Belmont textile executive.
The clay tennis courts were the original site for varsity tennis but primarily used now for recreational play.
Covington Golf Course
Address:
Ridge Road
Description:
The three-hole course situated near the baseball and soccer stadium provides enjoyable practice space for students, faculty and staff. The facilities include well-tended greens, three short holes, sand traps, and a practice putting green. The course is named for Howard Wall Covington, Class of 1937.
Source: Davidson