Lincoln University

Lincoln University. 1 At Jefferson City, Mo.; coeducational; land-grant and state supported; founded 1866 as Lincoln Institute. The school was established for the education of freed slaves by members of the 62d and 65th U.S. Colored Regiments. Its present name was adopted in 1921. The university became open to all qualified students in 1954. 2 At Lincoln University, Pa.; coeducational; chartered 1854 as the Ashmun Institute. Its present name was adopted in 1866. The school is the oldest college in the United States having as its original purpose the higher education of African-American students, but since 1866 it has been open to all qualified students. Its Langston Hughes Memorial Library contains the poet's personal collection.

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