Fitchburg State University - History

History

Fitchburg State University was founded as the State Normal School in Fitchburg in 1894 by the state legislature. Its first President was John G. Thompson (President 1895–1920). Initially a secondary-education school for women (coeducation arrived in 1911), the Normal School was not authorized to grant Bachelor degrees until 1930, after the presidency of William D. Parkinson (1920–1927), and during Dr. Charles M. Herlihy's (1927–1945) tenure. In 1932, that authorization was extended to all academic disciplines in Education. At the same time, the name was changed to State Teachers College at Fitchburg. Dr. Charles M. Herlihy died while in office and was succeeded by Dr. William J. Sanders (1945–1950) and Ellis F. White (1950–1953).

During Ralph H. Weston's (1953–1963) presidency of the college, the Education program was the primary focus. That changed in 1960, when the school changed its name to State College at Fitchburg and added degree programs outside of Education. In 1965, the College's name evolved into Fitchburg State College. James J. Hammond (1963–1975) and Dr. Vincent J. Mara (1975–2003) were the next two presidents of the school and added many buildings to the campus, most notably what are now called the Hammond Building and Mara Village. More recently, a new west wing was added to the Mara compound.

In the past five years, since Robert V. Antonucci (2003–present) became president, the college has focused on enhancing its buildings and grounds as well as its programs. The school has focused on renovations and rehabilitation of underused buildings and areas as opposed to extensive building, even though there has been some. One notable building is the 3,500-square-foot (330 m2) campus police station (2008). A new science building and renovation of the Condike Science building is in the works with construction slated to begin in 2011.

Continuing Education at Fitchburg State University began in 1915, with the first summer courses offered through the College. Twenty years later, its first graduate programs were established. In July 2010, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate voted to grant Fitchburg State university status and change its name to Fitchburg State University. The measure was signed into law by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick on July 28, 2010.