Centre College received its charter from the Kentucky Legislature on January 21,
1819 and classes began in the fall of 1820 in Old Centre, the first building on campus which today is a Kentucky Landmark, and
listed in the National Register
of Historic Places. The name reflects the College's location in the geographic center of Kentucky.Centre has been affiliated with various institutions including the Kentucky
School for the Deaf, also in Danville, which was originally controlled by the Centre board of trustees. In 1901, Central
University in Richmond, Kentucky was consolidated with
Centre, and the Kentucky College for Women merged with Centre in 1926.In 1921, Centre upset Harvard University's undefeated
football team six to zero which The New York Times later called
"Football's Upset of the Century."During the 1960s the College's financial resources doubled. Eleven new buildings were added to the campus and enrollment
increased from 450 to 800. Today, enrollment hovers around 1070, with just over 100 faculity members.In 2000, Centre became the smallest college ever to host a national election debate. Dick Cheney and
Senator Joe Lieberman debated on October 5 at Centre's North Center for
the Arts. The event was moderated by CNN's Bernard
Shaw.John Roush, who took office in 1998, is the college's 20th president. In 2003, the College broke ground on The College Centre,
a $22-million project to expand and renovate the athletic center, academic center and library, scheduled for completion by fall
2005.