Colby-Sawyer College
New London, NH
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Colby-Sawyer College
Colby-Sawyer: A historic New Hampshire institution evolving since 1837, empowering students.
Colby-Sawyer College boasts a fascinating journey, rooted deeply in New Hampshire's educational landscape since its inception as the New London Academy in 1837. Initially a coeducational secondary school, it quickly adapted, becoming the New London Literary and Scientific Institute under Baptist stewardship in 1858. This spirit of evolution continued into the 20th century, culminating in a significant transformation in 1927 when it transitioned to a junior college and preparatory school exclusively for women, ultimately becoming the Colby School for Girls.
By 1933, the institution proudly adopted the name Colby Junior College for Women, phasing out its preparatory courses and solidifying its commitment to higher education. This period marked a crucial expansion of its academic offerings, with new residence halls like McKean Hall (1930), Colby Hall (1931), Shepard Hall (1931), and Burpee Hall (1934) being built. The college's growing prominence was even recognized by a visit from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1941, underscoring its rising profile.
Its commitment to academic advancement culminated in the historic amendment of its charter in 1943 to allow the granting of baccalaureate degrees. Today, Colby-Sawyer College stands on the shoulders of this rich legacy, known for its adaptive nature and its deep roots in providing quality education. Its journey from a local academy to a college offering baccalaureate programs showcases a consistent dedication to growth, academic development, and fostering a supportive student experience within its historic New London campus.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1837 as New London Academy, initially a coeducational secondary school.
- ✦Transformed into Colby School for Girls in 1928, focusing on women's education.
- ✦Conferred its first associate degrees to 14 women in 1930.
- ✦Renamed Colby Junior College for Women by the New Hampshire Legislature in 1933.
- ✦Hosted First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt for a speech in 1941.
- ✦Charter amended in 1943 to allow the granting of baccalaureate programs.
- ✦Deeply rooted in New Hampshire history, evolving from a local academy to a comprehensive college.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
4 notable schools within Colby-Sawyer College
New London Academy
The institution's original identity, established as a coeducational secondary school in 1837.
New London Literary and Scientific Institute
The name adopted in 1858 when New Hampshire Baptists assumed responsibility for the academy.
Colby School for Girls
The institution's name from 1928, marking its transition into a junior college and preparatory school for women.
Colby Junior College for Women
The name adopted by act of the New Hampshire Legislature in 1933, solidifying its identity as a women's junior college.
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