University of Pittsburgh-Bradford

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Northern Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford stands as a testament to community vision and dedicated higher education. Established in 1963, Pitt-Bradford emerged to fill a critical void, becoming the sole provider of tertiary learning in a vast six-county region. Today, it continues its legacy as a vital state-related regional campus of the esteemed University of Pittsburgh, offering a welcoming academic home to 1,317 students.

The campus's inception was driven by a profound local need, championed by University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Edward Litchfield. Inspired by the success of earlier Pitt extension centers, Litchfield worked closely with Bradford-area leaders. The community's response was overwhelming, with local philanthropists and businesses not only meeting but exceeding the university's fundraising targets by more than thirty percent to secure facilities and faculty. This powerful demonstration of local support paved the way for the first class in Fall 1963, welcoming 143 full-time and 145 part-time students.

Pitt-Bradford's journey continued to evolve with the University of Pittsburgh's transformation into a state-related institution in 1966. This pivotal change brought access to public funding, instrumental in expanding the campus and its academic programs. The 1970s marked another significant milestone as the college relocated from its downtown origins to its expansive current location, thanks to a collective donation of land by Witco-Kendall Corporation, the City of Bradford, and Bradford Township. This move solidified Pitt-Bradford’s roots and its enduring commitment to serving the educational needs of the region, embodying its motto, "Veritas et Virtus" – Truth and Virtue.