Allen University has a distinguished history, rich in the tradition of training men and women for leadership. Founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the institution represents the dream of Daniel Alexander Payne (1811-1883), an apostle of Black education in the United States who saw the need for such a school among African Americans.

On July 29, 1870, under the leadership of Bishop John M. Brown, the Columbia District Conference decided to purchase 150 acres of land in historic Cokesbury, South Carolina. Thus, Paynes advocacy of an informed clergy culminated in the founding of Payne Institute in Cokesbury, South Carolina.

During the Reconstruction period in South Carolina there were many discouraging times. No period in American history is more filled with problems for African Americans than this era. The desire for education among African Americans was discouraged and often violently opposed by their former masters. In spite of this opposition, at the Annual Conference of 1871, the Reverend Simon Miller presented the deed for the land and buildings. The document was adopted and became the property of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, bearing the name of Daniel A. Payne.

For ten years, the school prospered under the leadership of W.S. Crogman, B.F. Perter, W.S. Scarborough, and J.W. Morris. The annual conference meeting in Spartanburg in 1880 saw the need for a more centralized location for the institution and voted to transfer Payne Institute to Columbia, South Carolina. The institution was renamed Allen University in honor of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Under the first two presidents, J.C. Walters and J.W. Morris, who studied law at the University of South Carolina, Allen University made great progress. During this period, the Theological Department and the Law Department were formed within the institution. Between 1884 and 1890, fourteen students received degrees in letters, and fifty-four graduated from the Normal Collegiate Department.

During its early years, Allen University had to satisfy student needs at all educational levels. For many years, the curriculum included courses leading not only to degrees in law, theology, and the arts, but also courses of study at the elementary and high school levels. At one time, it was possible for a student to enter Allen as a child in the first grade and leave prepared to teach, preach, or plead in the courts. The grammar school was discontinued in the mid-1920's and the high school was closed after the graduation of the class of 1933. For the 1929-33 school years, the University accepted only persons who had completed high school.

During the Depression, Allen University faced with many hardships, but managed to keep her doors open. In 1930, a Department of Science was established, followed by a Department of Languages.

The decade of the 1940s saw many adjustments in response to the circumstances of World War II. Following the war, an influx of veterans pursued college studies at Allen. In 1945, the Departments of Humanities, Philosophy, Psychology and Religion were added to the existing curricula.

An impressive number of Allen alumni over the years have had distinguished careers in a variety of fields. Many alumni have earned advanced degrees at some of the most prestigious universities in the nation. From the ranks of Allen University emerged leaders in the quest for social justice as well as catalysts for spiritual growth and educational progress. Ten Allen University graduates have served as college presidents. They are:

1. Dr. John Middleton (Morris Brown College)
2. Dr. Lewis Dowdy (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University)
3. Dr. W.C. Brown (Barber-Scotia College)
4. Dr. James Thompson (Talladega College Interim)
5. Dr. Luna I. Mishoe (Delaware State College)
6. Dr. Waddell Nichols (Allen University Interim)
7. Dr. Sylvia Swinton (Allen University Interim)
8. Dr. Frank R. Veal (Allen University)
9. Dr. James G. Wingate (LeMoyne-Owen College)

Allen University has had more legislators in the South Carolina General Assembly than any other private university in South Carolina: former Senator Kay Patterson (retired); 1956; Senator Ralph Anderson, Senator Clemente Pinckney; 1995; Representative William Clyburn; 1964; and Representative Floyd Breland; 1955, to name a few. Additional distinguished graduates of Allen University include: David Daniels, Bishop of 14th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mildred Weathers McDuffie, former Summary Court Judge for Richland County.

During the 40's and 50's, Allen Universitys campus underwent major physical expansion with the construction and acquisition of several buildings.

In 1970, Allen University celebrated its centennial year, marking the close of a century of fulfilling its educational mission and the beginning of a bright future, rededicated to the principles upon which it was founded. Responsive to the changes in society, Allen has revised its curricula to continue to provide its students with educational experiences and competencies needed to successfully pursue their chosen careers.

Under the Board of Trustees and administrative leadership in 1984, Allen University pursued major improvement and massive expansion in the curricula and physical plant. While the country was being swept with major budget cuts, Allen University continued to meet the challenges of the future based upon its commitment of Richard Allen, founder of the A.M.E. Church.

The 1990s saw rededication, growth and development. The university began the decade by accepting the challenge to develop a stronger academic program. The hard work and commitment resulted in the affirmation of our accreditation in June 2007 by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the successful 10-year reaffirmation six years later.

The university has worked successfully to improve our fiscal accountability and upgrade our facilities. This labor of love has resulted in the refurbishment of the dormitories, administration buildings and classroom facilities. The renovation of Arnett Hall and building of the gymnatorium were completed in the year 2000. Allen University has demonstrated its ability to meet the challenges of re-tooling for the new millennium.