The first group of Marshals was selected on campus in 1893. The two campus literary societies each selected give Junior class members who had shown academic excellence and good conduct and who best represented the college to serve as Marshals. From the organization’s beginnings, the members had a certain required dress. White dresses and long sashes were worn by the girls with white regalia and their class numbers or a background of their class colors, appearing by the 1920s.

The group underwent significant changes when the literary societies disbanded in 1953, and the selection process turned to popular vote. The Chief Marshal was elected by the student body based on “scholarship, charm, and service,” and her 32 “assistants” were chosen from the incoming junior and senior classes. After the college became coeducational in 1963, male students were eligible to join the Marshals. The organization selected Juniors to serve a two-year term and the Chief Marshal was elected from the Senior class.

By the 1980s, the group had become the “University Marshals,” who were chosen from among the Junior and Senior classes for their academic excellence. The University Marshals are currently overseen by the Division of Student Affairs, and they represent UNCG at formal ceremonies like commencement.

Supplemental Materials

Spartan Story about the university marshals