Central cross: The mission statement declares that CU is “a Christ-centered University committed to exceptional teaching, scholarly research, creative innovation, and professional collaboration.” All are encouraged to know Christ and follow His example and teachings by loving God, loving others, and living virtuous lives.
Open book: Signifying education, knowledge, and wisdom, the book speaks to teaching the whole person for a successful career, vibrant ministry, and abundant life.
Cardinal: The state bird of North Carolina symbolises our historical origins in this part of the Carolinas.
Palmetto and crescent: This distinctive mark on the South Carolina flag symbolizes the American fight for independence from the British and expresses our roots in both the Carolinas.
Scale: The balanced scale symbolizes integrity, equality, justice, and harmony.
Olive wreath: From the earliest mentions in history, the olive wreath has represented victory, success, and achievement. Carolina University seeks to graduate men and women who enjoy all three.
1903: Seven colleges, universities and seminaries merged together to create Carolina University in 2020. The oldest member was John Wesley University, founded in 1903.
Gratiae et veritatis: This phrase is latin for “grace and truth” and comes from John 1:17 where the Bible states, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Truth is rigid, unyielding, and absolute, but grace is flexible, loving, and compassionate. Jesus is the embodiment of the balance between the two. His example and teachings set very high standards for how to live and treat other people, but He was willing to die for those who fall short. That is grace and truth, and that is the optimum illustration of the balance CU strives to instill across the University family.
Universitas Carolina: This is latin for “Carolina University.”
Colors: The red, white, blue, and yellow are the exact colors in the flag of North Carolina, and the red, white, and blue are also the exact colors in the United States flag. The South Carolina flag is blue and white.
Stars: The five pointed stars are adopted from the flag of North Carolina.
Concept: Dr. Sandeep Gopalan, DPhil
Artist: Tiffany Petitt
