Brenau University

Brenau University
Location: Gainesville, Georgia
Affiliations: Independent
Setting: Small/Midsize City
Founded: 1878

Points of Pride

Brenau University is more than a place of learning. It’s a place where you can find your voice, explore your passions and meet people who you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. You’ll thrive  alongside a group of open-minded students, and learn from professors in small classroom settings who truly want to help you succeed. Each day, you’ll discover new things about yourself and the world around you. And, before you know it, you’ll graduate confident and prepared to accomplish your dreams.

History

Brenau University was founded in 1878 as the Georgia Baptist Female Seminary by Dr. W.C. Wilkes. In 1900, H.J. Pearce, who was the institution’s president at the time, named it Brenau, which is a linguistic blend of the German word “brennen,” meaning “to burn,” and the Latin “aurum,” which translates to “gold.” This combination embodies Brenau’s motto, “As gold refined by fire.” Today, Brenau University consists of The Women’s College, the coed Undergraduate School, and the Sidney O. Smith Graduate School.

Map

Settings

  • Small/Midsize City

Affiliation

  • Independent