Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater State University stands as a cornerstone of public higher education in Massachusetts, tracing its roots back to 1840 as Bridgewater Normal School. Founded by visionary Horace Mann, it holds the distinction of being the oldest permanently-located institution of public higher education in the Commonwealth and one of the nation's very first normal schools dedicated to teacher training. Its initial mission, to prepare teachers, set a groundbreaking professional standard for education, evolving from a simple classroom in a town hall basement to a vibrant university campus.

The university's historical significance is immense, having been home to the first building ever erected in America specifically for teacher preparation, dedicated in 1846. Over the decades, Bridgewater State expanded its academic horizons significantly. While education remains its most popular major, the curriculum broadened to include a robust liberal arts program in the 1960s, catering to a diverse student body, including Korean War veterans in the mid-20th century.

Today, Bridgewater State University offers a comprehensive academic experience, continuously adapting to student needs while honoring its legacy. The institution quadrupled its enrollment and tripled its faculty from 1970 to 1990, demonstrating remarkable growth. In 1992, it formalized its academic structure with the establishment of the School of Education and Allied Studies and the School of Arts and Sciences, underscoring its dual commitment to professional training and broad intellectual inquiry. Its transformation into Bridgewater State University in 2010 marked a new chapter, enhancing its profile and attractiveness to future generations of students.