Introduction
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is one of the oldest universities in the United States. It was founded in 1897 by Dr. Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Todd Lincoln to provide education to the people of the Appalachian region. LMU has a long and storied history, and is home to many fascinating facts and stories that make it a truly unique educational institution. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most interesting fun facts about LMU and its rich history.

A Legacy of Education
LMU was founded in 1897 by Dr. Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, both of whom had a deep commitment to education and to the people of the Appalachian region. The school was originally named Lincoln Memorial University of Harrogate, Tennessee, and it was the first college in the region to offer a four-year degree. Over the years, LMU has grown and changed, and today it is a comprehensive university offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines.
A Place for Innovation
LMU has always been a place for innovation and experimentation in higher education, and it has been home to several groundbreaking programs and initiatives. In the 1950s, LMU was the first university in the United States to offer a degree in nuclear engineering. In the 1970s, LMU was one of the first universities to offer a degree in computer science. In the 1980s, LMU was the first university to offer a degree in environmental science. Today, LMU is home to a wide range of innovative programs and initiatives, including the Appalachian Center for Economic Education, the Center for Leadership and Service, and the Appalachian Institute of Digital Evidence.
A Hub of Culture and the Arts
LMU is home to a thriving cultural life, and it has long been a hub for the arts in the Appalachian region. The university is home to a number of performance venues, including the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Auditorium and the Sam and Irene Black Cultural Center. The university also hosts a number of art galleries and exhibits, including the Abraham Lincoln Museum of Art and the Abraham Lincoln Institute of American History. LMU is also home to a number of musical organizations, including the Lincoln Memorial University Symphony Orchestra and the Lincoln Memorial University Chorale.
A Home for Sports
LMU has a long and proud history of athletic excellence, and it is home to a number of successful varsity sports teams. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II, and its teams compete in the South Atlantic Conference. The university is home to teams in a wide range of sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. LMU also has a number of intramural sports teams, and it is home to the renowned LMU Equestrian Team, which competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association.
A Leader in Research
LMU is home to a number of world-class research centers and institutes, including the Abraham Lincoln Institute for the Study of Leadership and Public Policy, the Appalachian Center for Economic Education, the Appalachian Institute of Digital Evidence, and the Center for Leadership and Service. The university is also home to a number of research projects, including the Appalachian Heritage Project, the Appalachian Studies Program, and the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.
Conclusion
Lincoln Memorial University is a unique and fascinating institution with a long and storied history. From its roots as the first college in the region to offer a four-year degree, to its commitment to innovation and experimentation in higher education, to its thriving cultural life, its successful varsity sports teams, and its world-class research centers and institutes, LMU is a truly remarkable university. We hope you have enjoyed learning about some of the most interesting fun facts about LMU.”