Allen University is a private, coeducational historically Black university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. Allen University has over 600 students and still serves a predominantly Black constituency. It was founded in Cokesbury in 1870 as Payne Institute, dedicated to providing education to freed African-American slaves. In 1880 it was moved to Columbia and renamed Allen University in honor of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The university remains connected to the denomination, which is in the Methodist family of churches. As one of two black colleges located in Columbia, Allen has a very strong presence in the African American community. Allen University initially focused on training ministers and teachers, and over the years has enlarged its scope to produce graduates in other academic areas. The University is committed to providing the highest quality instruction to its students. Allen University is an academic community which provides students an opportunity to obtain a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts and professional programs.