RALEIGH — Peace College will admit male students to all programs for the first time in the school’s 154-year history as part of a significant overhaul that also includes changing its name.

The board of trustees announced the decision Thursday, saying that the school plans to rename itself William Peace University.

Founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, the school offered education for girls and women from kindergarten through college. It later became a two-year, and then a four-year college for women, although men have been able to attend some nighttime classes.

Other recent changes range from a buyout offer to faculty members last fall to plans for new programs.

Trustee Beth Cherry says Peace is changing to meet the evolving needs of students.