As the nation's fifth oldest women's college, Judson, was founded in 1838 by Baptists in Marion to educate young women in a Christian environment. Judson remains affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention and is committed to a quality, valuable education for women of the future.

The Judson Female Institute was first established in 1838 by members of Siloam Baptist Church, and opened January 7, 1839. It was named after Ann Hasseltine Judson, America's first female foreign missionary. By 1840 a grand, four-story building had been erected. The building would bear the name Jewett Hall in honor of the first president of Judson Female Institute, Dr. Milo P. Jewett.

The College was spared during the Civil War. Jewett Hall burned to the ground twice - once in 1888 by the flames of a slow burning chimney fire and again, in 1947 after lightning struck the dome. Both times, alumnae assisted with the reconstruction of the facility, pledging $100,000 during the second reconstruction along with a sale of bricks from the ruins that were opened by Governor James E. Folsom "Big Jim," paying $25 for the first brick.

With the growth and expansion of buildings, and to accord her standings among other colleges, the name was changed in 1903 from the Judson Female Institute to Judson College.

On December 8, 1941, from a radio platform in the chapel, Judson students heard President Franklin D. Roosevelt announce that war had been forced on America by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Many Judson students volunteered serving as WACS, WAVES, nurses, and Red Cross workers.

Today Judson is at the forefront of educating young women. Acquisition of important technology and the renovation and restoration of many of her historic buildings are essential to academic vitality.

Marian Acree Tucker Hall has been constructed as part of a fine arts center that houses the music and art departments. The Charlotte G. Lowder science building opened in 2001 and is home to some of the finest undergraduate lab facilities in the southeast. The crown jewel of Judson, Jewett Hall, underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and re-opened with state-of-the-art computer and classroom facilities in 2003. In 2006, Judson proudly opened Dunkin Athletic Park, which features a new softball field, a soccer field, a track and a new equestrian center. In the near future, Judson has plans for tremendous improvements to Blount Student Center, residence halls and Bowling Library.

These improvements will strengthen Judson's ability to provide quality education while continuing to serve as a cultural and mission center for western Alabama.

For over 170 years Judson College has steadfastly prevailed. Judson College remains church related, embracing Christian principles and values as an appropriate foundation for all her students. Christ centered and student centered, Judson continues to fulfill her mission of helping young women develop their God-given abilities and talents, equipping them to make intelligent choices, and reflecting the teachings of Christian every facet of life.

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