Berry College | Rome City

Berry College, located in Rome, Georgia, is a private liberal arts college known for its stunning natural campus, strong emphasis on student work experience, and a unique blend of academic rigor and character development. Founded in 1902 by Martha Berry, the college sits on a vast 27,000-acre campus—making it the largest contiguous college campus in the world. The college combines Southern heritage, progressive education values, and a commitment to service and self-reliance.

1. Founding and Philosophy

Berry College was established by Martha Berry, a pioneering Southern educator and philanthropist. She created the Berry Schools to educate children from rural, economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the Appalachian region. Her philosophy was rooted in the values of “Head, Heart, and Hands”, emphasizing intellectual growth, moral integrity, and practical work.

The original mission was to provide quality education in exchange for manual labor on campus.

Students worked on the campus farms, workshops, and craft shops to pay for their education.

Martha Berry was nationally recognized for her progressive approach, receiving accolades from U.S. presidents and educational reformers.

2. Campus and Environment

Berry College is widely renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty and extensive acreage, which includes:

Lush forests, meadows, lakes, and streams

Over 80 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails

Working farms, pastures, and wildlife reserves

Deer and other wildlife roam freely across the grounds

Iconic Campus Areas:

Frost Chapel: A stone chapel built by students with handcrafted woodwork and stained-glass windows, offering a peaceful retreat for services and reflection.

Ford Buildings: Donated by Henry Ford, these Gothic-style structures include dormitories, classrooms, and the beautiful Ford Dining Hall. They are some of the most photographed parts of campus.

House o' Dreams: A mountain-top cottage built by students for Martha Berry, offering panoramic views of the campus and surrounding hills.

3. Academic Programs

Berry College offers more than 40 majors and 30 minors across four main schools:

Campbell School of Business

Charter School of Education and Human Sciences

Evans School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences

The college emphasizes undergraduate research, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary study, with popular majors including:

Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary

Business Administration

Psychology

Environmental Science

Education

Creative Technologies

History and Political Science

Class sizes are small, with a student-to-faculty ratio of about 11:1, promoting close mentorship and personalized learning.

4. Student Work Program

One of Berry’s most distinctive features is its LifeWorks Program, which builds on Martha Berry’s original philosophy.

All students have the opportunity to work on campus, with over 95% participating in jobs ranging from research assistantships to farm management, event planning, graphic design, and even entrepreneurship.

Berry employs more student workers per capita than any other college in the U.S.

These roles not only provide financial support but are designed to build career skills, time management, and leadership.

5. Campus Life and Student Organizations

Berry fosters a close-knit, residential community with:

Over 75 student organizations, including academic societies, service clubs, outdoor recreation groups, and Greek life.

A strong tradition of community service, aligning with the school’s ethos of giving back.

Campus events such as Mountain Day (celebrating Martha Berry's birthday), Viking Fusion student media, and outdoor adventures.

Students also benefit from access to art facilities, performance spaces, athletic complexes, and spiritual life activities.

6. Athletics and Mascot

Berry’s athletic teams are known as the Vikings and compete in NCAA Division III within the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). Sports include:

Football, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, swimming, and volleyball

Equestrian and outdoor sports like hiking and cycling are popular due to the natural setting

The Berry Equestrian Center is a major draw for students interested in animal science and horseback riding

7. Sustainability and Land Stewardship

Given its immense campus, Berry is deeply involved in sustainability initiatives, which include:

Working organic farms and gardens

Timber management and wildlife conservation programs

Student-led environmental projects and research

Berry’s land is not just scenic—it serves as a “living laboratory” for students in fields such as biology, agriculture, environmental science, and forestry.

8. Martha Berry’s Legacy

Martha Berry’s vision continues to shape the college’s identity:

Her philosophy of self-reliance, character development, and service remains central.

Statues, quotes, and buildings across campus honor her life and mission.

Berry is often described as a “hidden gem” for its commitment to affordability, accessibility, and moral values in higher education.

9. Visitor Experience

Campus Tours: Open to the public year-round, with guided tours for prospective students.

Scenic Drives: Visitors can explore miles of trails, gardens, and historic structures.

House o’ Dreams Hike: A popular trail leading to the historic home built for Martha Berry.

Eagle Cam: Berry hosts a live-streamed bald eagle nest watched by thousands during nesting season.

Summary:
Berry College is a unique institution blending rigorous academics with hands-on experience, community values, and stunning natural surroundings. Its legacy of service, work ethic, and stewardship offers a model of education that shapes not only minds but also character and purpose. From the tranquility of Frost Chapel to the legacy of its founder, every corner of Berry reflects a harmonious balance between tradition, innovation, and nature.