Blackman Music Hall is the home of the Carroll McDaniel Petrie School of Music – the nation’s only comprehensive school of music within a liberal arts college for women. Blackman features smart classrooms, teaching studios, a piano lab, electronic music lab and 30 individual practice rooms. Our instrument collections include 70 Steinway pianos, 2 practice organs, a fully-equipped percussion studio, and string, wind and brass instruments for student use.

Blackman also houses the 340-seat Daniel Recital Hall, which was cited by “Chamber Music America” as an exemplary performance facility and is ideal for the hundreds of chamber music concerts, recitals, seminars and lectures held here annually. Daniel has a 27-rank, electro-pneumatic pipe organ built by Schantz, and is outfitted for cutting-edge projection technology and surround sound.

Bearing the name of the College’s fourth President, Dr. Oliver C. Carmichael Jr., Carmichael Hall houses the Education, English, History and Politics, Foreign Languages and Literatures, and Religion and Philosophy Departments. The Converse II office, serving undergraduate students age 24 and older, is located on the second floor. The Office of the Registrar is also located on the second floor. On the ground floor of Carmichael is the newly-renovated Hartness Auditorium, with stunning décor reminiscent of classic Hollywood (inspired by Converse interior design students) and smart technology enabling everything from multi-media lectures to movie nights.



 

Originally the College infirmary, Ezell Hall fits perfectly between the bookends of Kuhn and Carmichael Halls and serves as home base for Converse’s co-ed graduate programs. Ezell was constructed in 1940 and named after its donor, Mr. S. Bryson Ezell, former chairman of the Converse Board of Trustees.

Kuhn bears distinction as College’s first facility designed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. Built in 1968 and renovated in 2009, Kuhn is a shining example of Converse’s commitment to sustainability and modern instructional technology. The building houses a social sciences core, a mathematical sciences core, the Nisbet Honors Program, Campus Technology and 17 “smart” classrooms.

The Department of Economics, Accounting and Business and the Department of Psychology form the social science core. The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science establishes a mathematical sciences core. Kuhn also houses Converse's physics and astronomy labs as well as the herbarium

In celebration of the spirit of the liberal arts and Converse’s pursuit of creative, cross-disciplinary initiatives, visitors to Kuhn can enjoy artwork from the College’s Elliot Offner Collection, the Claire Miller Hopkins Collection, and by Converse students and alumnae.

With more than 160,800 physical resources, access to more than 47,000 periodicals online, and an inter-library loan system, Mickel Library provides easy access to virtually any book or article a student might need. Supporting the faculty and students of the Petrie School of Music, Mickel also holds one of the largest music libraries in the southeast.

Nestled on the second floor of the building is the Converse Writing Center. Here, faculty and peer consultants work with students of all writing abilities – from helping to polish a research paper to proofing a senior thesis.

The third floor is home to the College archives – an extensive collection of papers and media preserving history of both Converse and the Spartanburg area. In addition, Converse houses the national Harriet Quimby Archives, documenting the life of the first American woman to earn her pilot’s license and the first woman to fly across the English Channel.

The award-winning Milliken Fine Arts Building was featured on the cover of South Carolina Architecture. The magazine notes, “the teaching and creation of art come together in this innovative facility.”

Spanning three floors along with a dedicated art gallery, Milliken offers a variety of lecture studios, computer-aided design (CAD) and graphic design labs, a photography darkroom, faculty studio lofts, ceramic kiln and sculpture yards, and an additional student art gallery.

Featuring glass walls on two sides, Milliken Art Gallery provides an exhibit space with visual access to exhibitions around the clock. During much of the year, the gallery is filled by the work of a wide variety of professional artists. In addition to exhibiting, visiting artists present workshops and lectures that are often open to the public. In April and May, the gallery displays exhibits by Converse students.

Milliken also houses the J. Frank Toms Permanent Collection, containing works of some of the most famous artists of the 20th century.

Built in 2004, Phifer Science Hall reflects Converse’s commitment to prepare students for the ever-changing world of science and technology. Phifer was designed for 21st century flexibility, interdisciplinary teaching, student/faculty research, enhanced interaction and in-lab lectures. Here, science majors are provided space for upper-level research and advanced learning opportunities.

Home to the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, the 36,000-square-foot facility houses the latest laboratory instruments and computing equipment. Phifer also boasts a collection of museum quality artwork by Southern female artists.

Phifer houses a greenhouse which provides a year-round lab for botanists on campus.

Greeting all who enter Phifer’s front doors is a bronze sculpture of Maria Mitchell, arguably the most famous American scientist of the 19th century, by renowned sculptor Elliot Offner.

The Marsha H. Gibbs Field House, part of the Rose Physical Activity Complex, provides a top-level experience in collegiate athletics and includes the following amenities:

• Five locker rooms
• A weight training facility
• Indoor/outdoor golf training facilities
• An academic support center
• A rooftop terrace
• A soccer/lacrosse press box

The 29,000-square-foot Weisiger Center, part of the Rose Physical Activity Complex, is a single-story complex housing intercollegiate basketball and volleyball courts, physical fitness training rooms, locker rooms, and coaches’ offices.

The Sally Abney Rose Physical Activity Complex is situated on 16 developed acres and includes a soccer field, tennis courts, the Weisiger Center, and the Marsha H. Gibbs Field House.

Our athletes live up to their mascot of a fighting Valkyrie. These women warriors of Norse mythology may be the stuff of lore and legend, but Converse students in purple and gold are proud to cheer on their Valkyries.

Barnet Commons is an outdoor, bricked patio perfect for both informal and formal luncheons, dinners, receptions, etc. featuring 60 teak chairs and 15 teak tables. Connected to Wilson Hall and a lovely grass lawn overlooking the Betty James Montgomery Rose Garden.

Often called the Townhouse, the Campus Safety building houses the operations of Converse’s Department of Campus Safety.

Converse’s Campus Safety officers are on duty 24 hours a day, are licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and have full authority on Converse College property.

Built in 1904 by a $10,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Building served as a library until February 1951, when students and faculty formed a “book brigade” to move some 2,000 books to the new Gwathmey Library. Today, Carnegie is the location of Converse’s Office of Accounting and Administration, the Office of Human Resources, and the Office of Student Billing/Cash Receipts.

Johnson Plaza is a staple for traditions at Converse College and includes the College seal; a focal point of the plaza.  

The Johnson Plaza holds cherished Converse traditions: 

• Seniors process around the seal with faculty and staff for Opening Convocation and for Commencement  
• Students and alumni can toss a penny on the seal in honor of their alma mater’s seven core values—excellence, integrity, exploration, diversity, respect, community and progress—and make a wish for prosperity. 
• To set foot on the seal is considered disrespectful.
• The May Day Ceremony is held at this site annually. 

Located on the northwest corner of campus, the Rainey Amphitheater is an open-air venue perfect for symphonic and orchestra productions, various dance and entertainment performances and plays.

Used for various concerts, events, and theater shows

Located in the center of campus, the Quad is a lush green space with plenty of space for fun Converse Activities Board (CAB) events or a relaxing sunny studying spot between classes.

Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Wilson Hall was built in 1889 and originally housed the entire College. 

The five towers spanning Wilson and Pell Halls are named for values that are important at Converse: From left to right are Reverence, Honor, Friendship, Service (the tallest and also referred to as the Converse Tower) and Loyalty.

On display in Dalton Lobby is the Converse College Honor Pledge, signed by every new student. The honor tradition dates back to 1916 and is a cornerstone of the mutual trust and responsibility that distinguishes the Converse community.

Gee Dining Room is named for Mary Wilson Gee. The revered “Miss Gee” was among the first Converse graduates in 1893 and served as Dean of Students for 54 years.

Hazel B. Abbott Theatre and the Laird Studio Theatre are home to a wide variety of Theatre & Dance Converse performances each year.

Andrews Hall is a community style residence hall for sophomores or juniors. 

Andrews also hosts the Wellness Center on the backside of the building.  The Wellness Center offers on campus services for all undergraduate students including access to a nurse practioner and counseling services.

Sophomores and juniors looking to room with three good friends love Belk’s suites, featuring private bathrooms shared between two rooms. Plenty of mirror space and large walk-in closets enhance the rooms.

This beloved hall has a quirky charm that only gets better with age. Traditionally the site of the annual senior class photo, Cudd is iconic Converse College. Cudd’s old-style molding and distinctive Southern architecture makes for a cozy home-away-from home.

If you’re a trivia buff, don’t let the myth about Dexter trip you up. Back in the day, Dexter Hall did house the original College gym, but not a gigantic swimming pool as campus lore would have it. In 1916, a very small indoor pool was added as an extension to Dexter, but the so-called “ledge of the pool” that exists in first-floor rooms is nothing but a charming, old story that still makes a splash. That being said, some of the largest student rooms at Converse are in Dexter with traditional residence hall rooms on the first two floors and two-room suites on the third through fifth floors. Like all other residence halls on campus, Dexter has micro-fridges, high-speed internet and cable TV access.


Dexter Features:

• 24-hour computer lab
• Large back patio
• Loft-style beds
• Most rooms have hardwood floors (some areas have tile)
• Select rooms have sinks

All residence halls feature:

• Free laundry facilities
• Kitchens in each building
• Study rooms
• Lounges with cable television
• High-speed wireless internet

Completed in 2017, Fleming Hall is a suite-style residence hall housing sophomores or juniors. 

A permanent tribute to former Converse President Betsy Fleming as the College’s junior housing complex was formally dedicated and named Fleming Hall in her honor.

Howard Hall, Kate Hall, and Zimmerli Common--collectively known as The Heath--house the senior apartments. These apartments provide seniors the opportunity to enjoy independent living space on campus. 

Zimmerli Common is a perfect gathering place for students and organizations. 

More Info Coming Soon!

Pell Hall is the oldest and most distinctive of the residence halls in its collection of double and triple rooms. Named after the College’s second president, Robert Paine Pell, Pell was recently renovated in a $9 million project to restore its historic beauty while adapting to the needs of 21st century students. Pell features original hardwood floors, stained glass, a kitchen, several cozy study/hangout spaces, and the Moore Seminar room. Pell is connected to Wilson Hall and our dining room.

Pell Features:

• Ceiling fans
• Varied room and window sizes
• Loft-style beds
• Media and seminar room
• Hardwood floors
• Double and triple rooms

Williams is a community style residence hall containing a Visual Arts Learning Community with studio space and opportunities to paint the walls of your room. The third floor is a "dog-friendly" community. 

The John Bald Scene Shop, named in honor of beloved theatre faculty emeritus John M. Bald, is where Converse theatre students get hands-on experience with a wide variety of the technical skills required to construct theatrical scenery including planning, construction, painting and finishing.

A longtime favorite of Converse faculty, staff, students and alumnae, the Log Cabin provides meeting and event space with a rustic and cozy atmosphere. The cabin is a fun spot on campus to host Converse Activities Board (CAB) events and social gatherings.

Montgomery Student Center is the hub for student life – home to the campus store, hotspot for late night burgers and fries and central gathering place for all sorts of student-life happenings.

A transformative renovation harmonized the historic context of the campus with a contemporary chic interior. The center’s array of amenities include the campus mail room, a dance studio and fitness center, a suite of Student Government Association offices, Gibbs Chapel, seminar and conference rooms, the Sub Connection Café, Campus Store, Loafers game room, the day student lounge, and the swimming pool (home to Valkyries Swimming).

Montgomery is home to the Division of Student Development and Success and Center for Career Development which helps students to create networks for personal learning and growth through academic advising, first-year student programs, career exploration and planning, and tutoring and supplemental instruction.

Twichell Auditorium, housed in the Zimmerli Performance Center, is where you will begin your Converse journey with Opening Convocation in the fall of your freshman year and where you will cross the stage as a senior for your commencement.