Women's Christian College (WCC)
Women's Christian College (WCC) was founded in 1915 by the combined effort of 12 Missionary Societies of inter-denominational and international nature located in Britain, Canada and the United States of America with a mission to provide higher education to the women of India in liberal arts and sciences. The mission of the college is to provide “a complete, meaningful and relevant education to women so that they are intellectually well-trained, morally upright, socially aware and spiritually inspired.”
A year after its inception in the leased premises of Hyde Park in 1915, the College moved to Doveton House, a stately colonial mansion built by Benjamin Roebeck circa 1798. The Doveton House, which serves as the Administrative Block and had witnessed many significant moments in the century old journey of WCC, had its own place in the pages of history even prior to 1915. A magnificent three-storey garden house in Nungambakkam and the second to be built on the banks of the 72 km long River Cooum, it is named after John Doveton, a Lieutenant General with the Madras Cavalry of East India Company.
WCC, known for the architectural elegance of its buildings, is also a standing testimony to the selfless contributions and service of many in its early years. While the purchase of Doveton House was made possible by the generous donation from the legacy of Ms. Laura Spelman Rockefeller, the Main Hostel and the Science Block were the result of the educationists’ efforts and the committed fundraising initiative of Miss Lucy Peabody, a renowned American teacher and missionary leader.
The Chapel, one of the most cherished buildings on campus and located at its geometric centre, was the generous and anonymous gift of an American friend, a lady who remains unknown to this day.
The Clock Tower, standing tall from across Doveton House with its four clock faces that can be viewed from any direction, and erected in honour of Miss McDougall by her brother in 1937, is yet another feature that adds to the beauty and legacy of this beautiful campus.
Legend has it that Tippu Sultan’s sons were entrusted to the care of Doveton in this very mansion, when they were taken hostage after the Third Mysore War. It is also claimed that Edward Clive, Robert Clive’s son, who was the Governor of Madras from 1798 to 1803, used Doveton House during the weekends
On record, Doveton House served as the ‘prison’ for the Gaekwad of Baroda’s internment in 1875, for an attempt on the life of the British Resident in his State. The building also houses the tallest Elephant Porch in the city. It is referred to thus, as the Gaekwad of Baroda is said to have stepped straight out of his howdah onto the first floor of Doveton House in the days when royal elephants stood at a shoulder-height of 12 feet.
When the Government acquired Doveton House in 1893, a Judge of the High Court, Sir Ralph Benson and his family were the residents of this mansion for the next ten years.
In 1914, a session of the Indian National Congress was held in a pavilion erected on the grounds.
In 1916, Miss Eleanor McDougall, the first Principal of Women’s Christian College bought Doveton House along with 11 acres of land for the princely sum of Rs. 63,000 ($25,000), and it remains the pride of the Institution to this day.
Women’s Christian College, placed first among all women’s colleges in South India by the MHRD in the NIRF rating in 2017, is known for its high standards of education and outstanding achievements in teaching-learning, research and extension activities.
At its inception, the College had 41 students and 7 members of staff. Today it has over 4000 students, 185 faculty members and 110 non-teaching staff. Autonomous since 1982, the College is affiliated to the University of Madras. It was accredited by NAAC with an A+ Grade in 2019. The College was awarded the prestigious status of College with Potential for Excellence by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2016, a fitting testimony to the remarkable progress made in the last century.
WCC offers a wide range of metacognitive and need-based programmes at the Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Research levels to women from national and regional communities and varied socio-economic backgrounds. With its introduction of the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in 2004 and the Semester Abroad Programmes in the last decade, WCC caters to the wide range of interests among students today.
At WCC, students get the opportunity to get a job offer through the on-campus placement drives/programmes organized by the placement coordinators. The students have managed to get placed in some of the top ranked companies in India, having been offered jobs in various sectors ranging from Banks, IT Companies, ITES, KPOs and educational institutions. They have been recruited in various jobs in different levels in these organisations.
As the demand for access to academic and cross-cultural learning are increasing, WCC has been responding to the growing need and provide the students access to an affordable range of diverse study opportunities across the world through the linkages established with other institutions. This paves the way for students to experience life and learning outside India and become globally competent. With a keen eye to enter into Internaional Collaborations, WCC has tied up with many top notch international universities to promote and facilitate academic and cross cultural learning and academic mobility through innovative and affordable exchange and study abroad programmes. Over 100 students have benefitted from this and have had opportunity to receive education from some of the finest institutions around the world.
One of the most striking features of the Women’s Christian College campus is its tree cover. Stepping through the gates of the college, any visitor to the college is undoubtedly struck by the numerous trees that line both sides of the driveway. WCC displays an astonishing diversity of trees, with more than 100 species of native and exotic trees growing in the Green campus. Trees are a part of the history of the college, as well as an indisputable part of the sentiment that students and faculty attach to the institution. The magnificent Tabebuia rosea near the clock tower was planted by the first Principal of the college in 1915. It is the oldest tree on campus and is a witness to campus history. The campus itself is a picture of serenity in the heart of the bustling city.
WCC encourages involvement in both curricular and extra curricular activities to allow students to explore various opportunities based on their interests and requirements. In line with its Vision, MCC provides Physical Education, Extension activities, clubs, college play & choir, NCC, student leadership programs, value education, career guidance, student counselling, Innovation Counsil, Certificate course and Swayam.
