Barber-Scotia College was founded as Scotia Seminary in January, 1867, by Reverend Luke Dorland who was commissioned by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to establish in the South an institution for the training of Negro women. A survey of situations and of needs resulted in the selection of Concord, North Carolina, as the place for the location of the school. Organization included a program of elementary, secondary, and normal school work. Barber-Scotia College is a four-year, independent, co-ed college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). It was founded in 1867 as Scotia Seminary, preparing black women for careers as social workers and teachers.