A History of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth or UMassD) stands as a public research university located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Its origins trace back to 1895 with the establishment of the New Bedford Textile School in New Bedford and the Bradford Durfee Textile School in Fall River.

Early Beginnings: Textile Schools

In the 1800s, the textile industry thrived in Fall River and New Bedford. To cultivate a local pool of skilled labor, including designers, textile chemists, and mill managers, mill owners advocated for state-funded textile schools. Chapter 47 of the Acts of 1895 authorized the mayor of any city in the Commonwealth with at least 450,000 spindles in operation to apply for incorporation of a textile school. Thus, the New Bedford Textile School and the Bradford Durfee Textile School were founded, creating curricula tailored to the needs of the textile industry.

The Swain School of Design was established as the Swain Free School of New Bedford in 1881 through the provisions of the will of New Bedford philanthropist and shipping and oil magnate William W. Swain. Originally the only building occupied by the Swain School, founder William Swain bequeathed his homestead at 391 County Street in New Bedford to the school in 1858. Swain Free School opened in this building in 1882, offering classes in English, history, German, French, and design and industrial art. During the influenza epidemic of 1917, classes at Swain were interrupted. In 1930, the emphasis of course offerings at Swain shifted to commercial arts--commercial illustration, newspaper and magazine drawing, fashion and costume design, advertising layout, lettering and design, cartooning and caricature, and air brush drawing, as well as basic drawing and painting courses. Swain's academic catalog covers were designed by students as a part of an annual competition. In the 1910s, the best cover art won $10.

The predecessor institutions, New Bedford Textile School and Bradford Durfee Textile School, offered three-year diplomas in general textile manufacturing, textiles design, chemistry, and knit goods manufacturing, along with a two-year certificate in textile technology. Evening classes were available for mill workers to enhance their skills. During the 1920s and 1930s, the curriculum at the New Bedford Textile School expanded to include knitting technology, textile chemistry, dyeing and finishing, and fashion and textile design.

Transformations and Mergers

The decline of the New England textile industry and the aftermath of World War II led the schools to explore new avenues and identities. To leverage the GI Bill, they sought permission to grant four-year degrees and broadened the curriculum with engineering, chemistry, and business administration courses. This shift responded to the growing demand for broader educational opportunities in southeastern Massachusetts.

Demand for a public institution increased, and as the textile industry waned in Massachusetts, the schools transformed once again. In 1964, the New Bedford Institute of Technology and the Bradford Durfee College of Technology merged to establish the Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute (SMTI). This merger allowed SMTI to broaden its curriculum and set the stage for the high-quality, liberal arts-based academic programming that UMassD offers today. The colleges of engineering, business and industry, fine and applied art, and arts and sciences were established.

1947-1953 New Bedford Textile Institute
1953-1957 New Bedford Institute of Textiles and Technology
1957-1964 New Bedford Institute of Technology
1946-1957 Bradford Durfee Technical Institute
1957-1964 Bradford Durfee College of Technology
1964 New Bedford Institute of Technology and Bradford Durfee College of Technology consolidated into Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute
1969-1991 Southeastern Massachusetts University
1991+ University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The Dartmouth Campus: A Vision in Concrete

In 1964, the creation of the Dartmouth campus began on a 710-acre site. Renowned architect Paul Rudolph, then dean of Yale’s School of Art and Architecture, designed the dramatic campus. Architect Paul Rudolph began the design of campus in 1963, first with the Liberal Arts building. His building design was part of a master plan for the development of the campus. The Liberal Arts building was completed in 1966, the Science & Engineering building in 1969, and the other original buildings were finished by 1971. The UMass Dartmouth campus was designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph in his signature brutalist architectural style. Architect Paul Rudolph also designed the Art and Architecture Building at Yale University, his most notable commission.

Rudolph's brutalist architectural style, characterized by the use of rough concrete (béton brut), aimed to distinguish the campus from the outside world, creating a social utopian environment. The buildings feature large windows and relatively short stairs. Atria in the Liberal Arts and Science & Engineering buildings provide spaces for socialization, filled with hanging and potted indoor plants. The main door of each building faces towards the Robert Karam Campanile, keeping students within the academic life area, where buildings for classes are located. Large mounds of earth (berms) also stand between the parking lots, making the lots partially invisible from the original Academic Life area (though not from within some recent additions to it, such as the Charlton College of Business building). The campanile is made of over 200 feet of poured concrete. An important element in architect Paul Rudolph's design, it created a challenge for contractor Leo E. Viens, Sr., who was hired in 1970 to build it. He devised a plan to pour concrete into a form that was lifted up by a crane. In October 2013, Travel and Leisure named the university one of the most mysterious campuses in the United States.

From SMTI to SMU to UMass Dartmouth

On June 6, 1969, Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute became Southeastern Massachusetts University. In 1969, SMTI became Southeastern Massachusetts University (SMU). Among the milestone achieved during this period was the completion of the physical campus. The first phase of residence halls was built, bringing with it a development in student activities and on-campus events to engage the growing resident student population. To meet the needs of college students and the region’s workforce economy, academic offerings were expanded and enhanced. The College of Nursing was created in response to the changes in nursing education. Swain School of Design in New Bedford merged with the university’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, in 1988, strengthening programs in art and artisanry and adding art facilities in New Bedford to the SMU. Innovative programs and initiatives were introduced during the SMU years, which became the catalyst for the vibrant culture that is evident in the academics and student programming at today’s UMassD. Programs like College Now and Upward Bound opened up the doors to higher education for students who would otherwise not have access.

In 1991, a new University of Massachusetts structure combined the Amherst, Boston, and Worcester campuses into a public university system with Southeastern Massachusetts University and the University of Lowell. Keeping with the tradition set by the predecessor institutions of developing curriculum that served the needs of students and the workforce, UMassD set forth a plan for strengthening programs and developing new areas of study that would prepare students for the future of work and addressed the region’s unique needs.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Key Developments and Milestones

1965: The "SMTI Torch" debuted as the new student newspaper in March 1965.
1966: On June 12, 1966, the first Commencement ceremonies on the Dartmouth campus were held. Gov.
1966: In 1966, the theater program was formally launched as the SMTI Dramatic Society by Angus Bailey. "The Crucible" and "Kiss Me Kate" were among the first productions.
1967: From 1967 to 1990, fencing was among the sports offered. (P.S. The first Gentle Thursday was held on May 4, 1967, an "affirmation of the idea that there is nothing wrong and a great deal right with a little fun." Professors were encouraged to hold classes outdoors.
1968: In 1968, the College Now program launched with 31 students, opening possibilities for students who desired to attend college, but needed additional support.
1970: The Faculty Federation, formed in 1970, was the first American Federation of Teachers (AFL-CIO) bargaining unit at a four-year institution in the country.
1972: The Claire T. Carney Library opened in 1972 as the Library Communications Center. From 1972 to 1996, the annual Eisteddfod folk festival in the fall attracted national and international attention. It was the brainchild of former design professor Howard T. Glasser.
1973: Peter Kuchinski captured the inaugural SMU Cross Country Invitational in 1973. SMU-TV debuted in 1973. By 1976, it was broadcast through a cable hook-up in New Bedford.
1975: Bob Dylan and his "Rolling Thunder Revue" concert tour made SMU their second stop in 1975. Famous science writer Isaac Asimov was the commencement speaker in 1975.
1981: UMass Law was originally incorporated as Southeastern Massachusetts-Rhode Island-Avins Law School in 1981 and offered weekend classes in various locations in Fall River.
1982: On March 24, 1982, students led another successful torch relay from campus to the State House, this time to "Save SMU" from a reduction in the state's funding allocation.
1985 & 1986: James White captured back-to-back NCAA Division III Championships in cross country in 1985 and in the 10,000-meter outdoor in 1986.
1989: On October 18, 1989, 21 busloads brought a group of 2,900 students, alumni, faculty, and administrators filled Boston Common with students from other state college campuses to protest a $35 million cut to the state's higher education system. Most classes were canceled so students could attend "Alternate Education" Day.
1992: In 1992, the men's basketball team advanced to the NCAA Division III Final Four, capping a 25-6 season. It was the first appearance by the Corsair basketball team in national Division III finals. In 1992, a spirited debate took place in the auditorium between Dr. Timothy Leary and G. Gordon Liddy. The 1992 women's soccer team advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championship game. Spinwinder, the sculpture at the entrance of campus, was created by Nancy Holt and installed in 1992 to symbolize the university's textile history.
1995: UMassD's first "nautilus" logo, debuted in the 1995 Centennial Year, was the creation of Professor of Design and former Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts Dietmar Winkler.
1997: The Center (now College) for Marine Science and Technology opened in 1997 in New Bedford where students and faculty engage in research that impacts our surrounding waterways. The first Ph.D. Gwo Guin “Chris” Lee was first student to complete the doctoral program in electrical engineering in 1997. Brian Helgeland '83 received an Academy Award, a Writers Guild of America Award, and the New York Film Critics Award for screenwriting for his work on the film "L.A. Confidential" in 1997.
1998: Capitalizing on our location near the nation's top fishing port, The School for Marine Science and Technology was established in 1998.
2002: The Corsair football team posted a perfect 11-0 regular season record in 2002, earning a first bid to the NCAA Division III Championships.
2004: The Charlton College of Business opened in 2004 with an academic program that would shape the business leaders of tomorrow. Mr.
2009: In 2009, the Center for Civic Engagement was established to enrich students, faculty, staff, and the community through engaged learning, active citizenship, meaningful community service, scholarship, and partnerships.
2010: In 2010, the College of Visual and Performing Arts was selected to create Christmas ornaments to be displayed on the White House Christmas tree.
2019: In 2019, the Princeton Review named UMassD as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges for the 8th year in a row.

Academics and Programs

UMass Dartmouth offers a wide range of academic programs across its various colleges and schools:

College of Arts and Sciences: As a history major, you'll be able to pursue studies in United States, European, Russian, Latin American, African, and Asian history. You'll gain an understanding of the major themes of history and explore the methods of historical study. The analytical and communications skills you'll develop as a history major can prepare you for a career in civil service, education, foreign service and intelligence, journalism, law, museum work, politics and advocacy, public policy, or public relations. UMassD offers teacher preparation for students who are interested in teaching history at the middle or high school level. You will take graduate-level courses during your final year of course work. These courses help prepare you to take and pass the MTELs and begin teaching after earning your bachelor's degree. Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree. Our curriculum will help you understand why the world is the way it is, and how you might decide to take action in the world. All history majors will be required to take 36 credits in history as indicated in the requirements below. Freshmen will normally not take courses above the 100 or 200 level. Follow your interests and expand your career options by minoring in history. Any degree candidate who has at least 54 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and at least 2.5 grade point average in his or her major may request admission to the minor in history.
Charlton College of Business: The Charlton College of Business at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers seven undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, a Master of Science in Healthcare Management degree (both face-to-face and online), and several graduate certificates. It also offers a combined MBA/Juris Doctor (JD).
College of Engineering: The first Ph.D. Gwo Guin “Chris” Lee was first student to complete the doctoral program in electrical engineering in 1997.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences: The College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers five undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees, two of which are offered online, and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Programs include the Diversity Nursing Scholars Program, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, a PhD program offered to both BS and MS, and an online certificate program for Advanced Graduate Study: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
College of Visual and Performing Arts: In 1988, Swain School of Design in New Bedford merged with the university’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, strengthening programs in art and artisanry and adding art facilities in New Bedford to the SMU. In 2010, the College of Visual and Performing Arts was selected to create Christmas ornaments to be displayed on the White House Christmas tree. Our newest program is the Bachelor of Science in interior architecture and design, the only accredited program of its kind at a public university in New England.

Rankings and Recognition

The Charlton College of Business houses multiple nationally ranked degree programs. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the online MBA program was ranked No. News & World Report. The school's undergraduate program is nationally ranked No. In 2019, the Princeton Review named UMassD as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges for the 8th year in a row.

Student Life and Activities

UMass Dartmouth offers a vibrant campus life with various activities and organizations:

Student Government Association: The Student Government Association, which is controlled by 34 seats, is a student-run group that handles all student activity fees and disperses them to the various clubs and organizations.
Residential Life: Each hall is staffed by a professional Resident Director, and 8-14 student Resident Assistants. The Grove grand-opening. The most modern living facility on campus.
Transportation: On-campus transportation is provided by the university, which includes a campus-loop shuttle that makes several stops across the main campus, shuttle services to nearby stores and businesses, and shuttle services from the main campus to the satellite campuses.
Athletics: UMass Dartmouth athletic teams, known by their nickname, the Corsairs, compete in a variety of sports. Men and women compete in NCAA Division III. The men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, ice hockey, soccer, and track and field. The women's sports are basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, UMass Dartmouth cut eight athletic teams to redirect funding to the remaining 17 programs. The discontinued sports were men's lacrosse, women's equestrian, men's golf, co-ed sailing, men's and women's swimming and diving, and men's and women's tennis. David Hill '76 and Peter Smith '74 were the first Corsair All-American athletes, earning honors in 1975 for 110-meter hurdles and cross country, respectively. An exclusive club of eight Corsair athletes have taken first place in NCAA Division III National Championships 12 times since David Downing won in golf in 1977. George Itz, Diane Weeder, James White, Stephan Baptista, Tom Egan, and Jon Garcia followed. The Corsair Olympics, a back-to-campus competition between residence halls has been a long-standing student favorite.

Notable Features and Resources

Claire T. Carney Library: The Claire T. Carney Library opened in 1972 as the Library Communications Center. The world's largest, most complete compilation of materials relating to the assassination of Robert F. This featured section of the Claire T.
Ferreira-Mendes Portuguese-American Archives: The Ferreira-Mendes Portuguese-American Archives houses the largest collection of historical material documenting the experience of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants in the United States.
Frederick Douglass Unity House: For 25 years, the Frederick Douglass Unity House has cultivated an environment that nourishes the academic, cultural, informational, and social/communal needs of students, faculty, and staff of color.
UMass Dartmouth is home to the papers of former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank.