1908

The Preparatory of Foochow Woman’s College, later Hua Ying Women’s School, was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church to provide secondary and teacher training courses. In May, Lydia Trimble became Hwa Nan’s first president.

1916

The Board of Directors renamed the school as The Woman’s College of South China (also known as Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College).

1922

At the Methodist Episcopal Church Conference in Ohio, the English name was changed to “Hwa Nan.” In September, the college received a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents, enabling graduates to earn diplomas from the University of the State of New York.

1933

The Ministry of Education of the National Government granted the college provisional registration, renaming it Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences.

1934

The college was granted permanent registration in September when the New York State Board of Regents awarded it a permanent charter, authorizing it to confer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

1935

Joined the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, a consortium of 13 American Christian colleges.

1951

Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences college merged with Fukien Christian University to form Fuzhou University, ceasing Hwa Nan’s independent operations.

1984

Hwa Nan Women’s College was reestablished with the election of its first board of directors, chaired by Dr. Yu Baosheng. The school building and funding were provided by Hwa Nan alumnae from China and worldwide. The college offers three-year programs in majors such as English, preschool education, food technology, and fashion design.

1985

At the Yantaishan Campus, construction of the first teaching building began and was completed in October. The college held its first opening ceremony, welcoming 164 freshmen across four majors. October 18th was designated as the school anniversary.

1992

President Yu Baosheng was awarded the "World’s Most Impactful Women Award" by the International Biography Center in Cambridge, UK, and was included in "Who's Who in the World". 

2000

Hwa Nan was the only university invited in China to participate in the International Women's Higher Education Seminar held in Arizona, USA.

2005

The Provincial Government allocated nearly 168 acres of land in Minhou Shangjie University Town to build a new campus for the college. 

2008

Hwa Nan celebrates 100th anniversary.

2010

Gordon Trimble, a foreign teacher and honorary chairman of the college council, received the 6th Fujian Province Friendship Award. Dr. Betts Rivet, a foreign teacher and college consultant, was honored with the title of “Honorary Citizen” of Fujian Province.

2011

January: To commemorate Lydia Trimble, the first President of Hwa Nan, Gorden Trimble established the Lydia Trimble Scholarship to reward Hwa Nan freshmen with excellent English scores in the college entrance examination.

2012

Accepted male students into college to ease financial pressure

2022

July 1: The Board of Directors held a meeting to complete the reelection of the Board of Directors and elected Yu Rongmin as Chairman.

2023

Hwa Nan celebrates 115th anniversary.