Rhodes College, located in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, is a private liberal arts college with a rich history dating back to the mid-1830s. Originally established as the all-male Montgomery Academy in Clarksville, Tennessee, it evolved into the Masonic University of Tennessee and later came under the control of the Presbyterian Church, eventually becoming Southwestern Presbyterian University in 1875. The college faced challenges during the American Civil War but was revitalized with renewed support from the Presbyterian Church. Significant reforms were implemented by Charles E. Diehl, including the admission of women, an honor code, and the adoption of an Oxbridge-style tutorial system, leading to the college's relocation to Memphis in 1925.Under the leadership of President Peyton N. Rhodes, the college admitted its first Black students, expanded its campus, and grew its endowment. In 1984, the college was renamed Rhodes College in honor of Rhodes' significant contributions. In recent years, under the leadership of presidents such as James H. Daughdrill, Jr., William E. Troutt, and Marjorie Hass, Rhodes College has continued to expand physically and academically, offering over 50 majors, interdisciplinary majors, minors, and academic programs. The college has also established partnerships with various Memphis institutions to provide students with research, service, and internship opportunities. In July 2017, Marjorie Hass became the college's first female president, succeeded by Jennifer Collins in June 202

Rhodes is an English surname derived from the Old English word "rod," signifying "a clearing in the woods." It originated as a locational surname for individuals living near woodland clearings or hailing from various locations with the name. Notable individuals with this surname include a diverse range of personalities spanning various fields such as sports, literature, politics, entertainment, and more. Some prominent figures include Albert Rhodes, an American diplomat and author, Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman and theorist of imperialism, Cody Rhodes, an American professional wrestler, and Gary Rhodes, an English celebrity chef and restaurateur. The Rhodes surname has been associated with individuals who have left a lasting impact in their respective domains, reflecting a rich historical and cultural legacy.

Rhodes is a name that holds a variety of meanings, from geographical locations to famous individuals and even cultural references. Geographically, Rhodes can refer to the island of Rhodes in Greece, as well as several other places in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere around the world. Notably, the name is associated with Cecil John Rhodes, a significant 19th-century English and South African politician who founded the De Beers diamond company. In the arts, entertainment, and media, Rhodes is linked to the Fender Rhodes piano, a musical instrument invented by Harold Rhodes, and various fictional references in video games and television. Additionally, Rhodes encompasses educational institutions such as Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and Rhodes University in South Africa. The name also carries significance in the realm of grapes, with Rhodes being a synonym for the Athiri grape used in winemaking. Furthermore, various organizations and entities, including the Rhodes Scholarship for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, add to the diverse range of associations with the name Rhodes.