1884
John Taylor Averett imposed the rule for students to wear uniforms to avoid rivalry in dress.

1885
Frederick Delius served on the music faculty for the year 1885-1886. Soon afterwards, Delius returned to England to become one of that nation's foremost composers.

1887
Samuel Wootton Averett left to become president of Judson College in Alabama.

John Taylor Averett was the first person to be named President of the college.

1889
John Taylor Averett suffered a stroke, and spent his final three years as president partially paralyzed and in a wheelchair.