World War I drew the University of South Carolina into tumultuous times just when its future looked brighter than it had in decades.  From 1880 to 1905, the University underwent several reorganizations and name changes as the state legislature vacillated on the purpose and focus of the institution. 

Just as Carolina was beginning to develop into a modern university, a new crisis – the Great War – was thrust upon the University, straining its resources and testing the patriotism of its administration, faculty, students, and alumni.