William Porcher DuBose

Class of 1855

Hometown: Winnsboro, SC

Distinguished Alumnus Photo

  • 1st Honor Graduate, Class of 1855.  Master of Arts degree University of Virginia 1859.  Entered the diocesan seminary in Camden, SC in 1859.
  • During the Civil War, DuBose enlisted in the Holcombe Legion, commanded by Peter F. Stevens class of 1849, and was appointed adjutant.  Wounded twice, and taken prisoner in 1862, he was freed in a prisoner exchange.  Wounded a third time, in 1863, he transferred to Kershaw's Brigade as chaplain.
  • In 1866, DuBose was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church and began a remarkable career in the ministry, and is considered by some as possibly the greatest theologian that the Episcopal Church in the USA has produced. 
  • Appointed chaplain at the University of the South in 1871, he helped establish and became dean of the Theological Department which later became the university's School of Theology.
  • The DuBose Award is presented to the 1st Honor Graduate of each graduating class at The Citadel.