Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University began its journey on March 31, 1898, as State Normal School No. 2, with the vital mission of preparing teachers for public schools across Maryland. Its first building, Old Main, opened its doors in 1902 to a pioneering class of 57 students, nestled in the scenic Allegany County. This foundational period laid the groundwork for an institution deeply committed to public service and education.

The college faced its share of challenges, particularly post-World War II when closure seemed imminent. However, under the visionary leadership of President Lillian Cleveland Compton from 1945 to 1954, the institution experienced a remarkable resurgence. Through strategic growth, increased enrollment, fueled by the G.I. Bill, and strong community advocacy, the college not only averted closure but also expanded its curriculum beyond a two-year teaching certificate to offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in elementary education.

Over the decades, Frostburg State continued its academic expansion, transitioning through several names—from State Teachers' College at Frostburg to Frostburg State College—as it gained the authority to grant Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees. By July 1987, it proudly achieved university status, becoming Frostburg State University. This transformation solidified its role as a comprehensive institution, further enhanced by the introduction of its first doctoral degree in 2012, demonstrating its enduring commitment to diverse academic pursuits and advanced learning for a wide array of students.