Framingham State University: A Legacy of Education and Innovation

Framingham State University (FSU), a public university located in Framingham, Massachusetts, boasts a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence. From its humble beginnings as the first state-supported normal school in the United States to its current status as a comprehensive university, Framingham State has played a pivotal role in shaping education in Massachusetts and beyond.

A Pioneer in Teacher Education

The story of Framingham State begins in 1839, when Horace Mann, as the first secretary of the newly created Board of Education in Massachusetts, spearheaded the establishment of an experimental normal school in Lexington. This marked a significant milestone as the first state-supported normal school in the United States. The Normal School in Lexington was the first of its kind. Following the Lexington experiment, a second normal school opened in September 1839 in Barre, later relocating to Westfield. Bridgewater State College followed the next year. These institutions were instrumental in establishing standardized teacher training programs and elevating the profession of teaching.

After a decade in West Newton, the school moved to its present location on Bare Hill in Framingham in 1853, becoming the "State Normal School in Framingham". The institution underwent several name changes in its early years in Framingham, reflecting its evolving mission and scope. In 1865, it became "Framingham Normal School," and in 1889, it was renamed "Framingham State Normal School."

Expanding Horizons: From Normal School to University

In 1922, Framingham State took a significant step forward by introducing a four-year study program and awarding its first Bachelor of Science in Education degrees. This marked the beginning of its transition from a normal school focused solely on teacher training to a broader institution of higher learning. A decade later, in 1932, all Massachusetts normal schools were renamed state teachers colleges, a reflection of the increasing prevalence of degreed teachers among their graduates. The school thus became the "State Teachers College at Framingham".

The addition of Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1960 led to another name change, this time to the "State College at Framingham." Five years later, the name was slightly adjusted to "Framingham State College," a name that would remain for several decades. Framingham State continued to expand its academic offerings, introducing Master's degrees in Education, Arts, and Science, which remain integral to the university's curriculum today. In 2007, the college launched its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, further diversifying its graduate offerings.

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In October 2010, seven of the state colleges in Massachusetts, including Framingham State, achieved university status, becoming state universities unaffiliated with the University of Massachusetts system. This transition reflected their growth in size, academic breadth, and research activity.

Academics at Framingham State University

Framingham State University offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is committed to providing students with a high-quality, affordable education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields.

Undergraduate Programs

Framingham State University offers a variety of undergraduate programs. History students at Framingham State University have the option to concentrate in specific areas. During the 2022-2023 academic year, part-time undergraduate students at Framingham State paid an average of $753 per credit hour if they came to the school from out-of-state.

Graduate Programs

In subsequent years, Masters' of Education, Arts, and Science degrees were added as well, which remain a part of the school's curriculum today. In 2007, the college began offering the Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Campus Life: A Vibrant Community

Framingham State University provides a vibrant and engaging campus life for its students. The 73-acre campus in Framingham, Massachusetts, features modern facilities, green spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Residence Halls

Seven residence halls house over 1,500 students, creating a close-knit residential community.

Henry Whittemore Library

The Henry Whittemore Library boasts a collection of over 200,000 volumes, along with Wi-Fi access and access to more than 70,000 electronic journals. The Library also houses Archives and Special Collections.

Sustainability Initiatives

Framingham State University is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. In 2007, the school signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. That year, Massachusetts issued Executive Order No. 484, which mandated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption for all state agencies and institutions. Greenhouse gases must be reduced 80% by 2050. Framingham State University was named a "Green College" by the Princeton Review in 2010 and 2011.

Student Involvement and Leadership

Framingham State University has an Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development and a Center for Inclusive Excellence.

Athletics

Framingham State University fields 14 varsity athletic teams (6 men's, 8 women's) competing at the NCAA Division III level and 4 club athletic teams (1 men's, 2 women's, 1 co-ed) that compete in various leagues.

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Leadership and Governance

Framingham State University is led by an eleven-member Board of Trustees. The governor appoints nine trustees to five-year terms, renewable once. The Framingham State University Alumni Association elects one trustee for a single five-year term. Finally, the student body elects one student trustee for a one-year term.

Notable Alumni

Framingham State University has produced many accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions to their fields. Among them are:

Sarah B. Cooper
Olivia A. Davidson, co-founder of Tuskegee Institute and wife of Booker T. Washington.
Paul J. Ferri
Christa McAuliffe (Class of 1970), astronaut, participant in Teacher in Space Project, died in Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
Brian J.
Charlotte Champe Stearns, mother of T. S. Eliot.

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