History of Salem State College
The 154-year evolution of Salem State College reflects the growth of its mission and its vital role in the nation, the Commonwealth, and the local community. From its beginnings as a small teaching college for women to the large, diverse, and comprehensive academic institution it is today, the college has remained true to the values of its founders, and continually seeks a forward path, adapting to society's changing needs while ensuring the intellectual and material well-being of the North Shore region of Massachusetts and beyond.
Born of the humanitarian endeavors of Horace Mann, the institution originally known as Salem Normal School welcomed its first class of "young ladies who wish to prepare themselves for teaching" on September 14, 1854. Only the fourth such institution in Massachusetts and the tenth in America, the city of Salem welcomed the new school with open arms, and generously endowed its first site at One Broad Street. The city and school quickly developed a mutually beneficial partnership that continues to thrive to this day.
Even in its early stages, Salem Normal School alumnae took community partnership and service beyond Massachusetts' borders. Charlotte Forten, the school's first African-American student and graduate of the class of 1856,was the first African-American teacher to journey south during the Civil War to teach freed slaves on the Sea Islands of the coast of South Carolina. Later, fellow alumnae followed her south to teach in newly-constructed schools for blacks.
By the end of the Civil War, Salem Normal School was becoming well established as a forerunner in public higher education. Its graduates instilled the values they learned in schools throughout Massachusetts, the country, and even as far afield as Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. At this time, the demand for teachers was increasing nationwide, and Salem Normal School prospered.
Following a major renovation of the Broad Street building in 1871, the school's capacity doubled to keep up with the increased demand for admission. In 1896, Salem Normal School moved to an expanded campus in South Salem, which finally allowed for the introduction of a model training school housed in the Sullivan Building. In 1898, the student body became coeducational, although male enrollment remained small until the introduction of a commercial program in 1908. The commercial curriculum, which combined professional business practice with pedagogical instruction, became the first of its kind in American public higher education.
In 1921, the course of study was lengthened from two to four years, and shortly thereafter in 1932, Salem Normal School became Salem Teachers College. To accommodate the burgeoning enrollment, expansion continued and flourished in the mid-1950s, with the addition of new programs and the construction of new buildings, including the Administration Building in 1959 and Meier Hall in 1964. Later that decade, a liberal arts program was added, and the first residence halls were opened in 1966. Renamed Salem State College in 1968, new programs in business administration and nursing led to the acquisition of South Campus, including the former Loring Estate, in 1972.
Over the next several decades, the college responded to the growing needs of the Commonwealth and added numerous academic programs and majors while significantly expanding the physical plant. The O'Keefe Center was constructed in 1976, and the Salem State College Series was inaugurated in 1982, with former President Gerald R. Ford as its first speaker.
The era of the 1990s to the present is marked by continued expansion and increased diversity throughout campus. In 1997, the College purchased an adjacent 37.5-acre site that formerly contained a GTE Sylvania manufacturing plant. After receiving a $4.8-million grant to renovate the property in 1999, the space was converted the college's newest campus. Central Campus, as it is currently known, houses the Bertolon School of Business, a recital hall, a green and sustainable residence hall, and a small business incubator for the region. The Northeastern Aquaculture Center at Cat Cove was also established that year.
The past two decades have also seen record breaking increases in fundraising and endowment along with innovative technological advances. The transition to a wireless campus, the laptop initiative, and an online, virtual library have aided the college in meeting the expectations of students and the community.
Salem State College's evolution into a respected, comprehensive institution of higher education owes its continued success to the vision of its faculty, students and staff, the partnership of community and college, and the accomplishments and loyalties of alumni worldwide. Serving some 10,000 students in graduate and undergraduate programs, the college is the largest institution of higher education on the North Shore of Massachusetts. One hundred and fifty-four years later, Salem State College continues to promote and promise the tradition of excellence envisioned by its founders and will only increase its impact in the Commonwealth and beyond as it nears university status.
Past Presidents of Salem State College
| 1854-1857 Richard Edwards |
1954-1970 Frederick Meier |
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| 1857-1865 Alpheus Crosby |
1970-1974 Francis Keegan |
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| 1865-1896 Daniel Hagar |
1975-1978 Edward Penson |
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| 1896-1905 Walter Beckwith |
1979-1988 James Amsler |
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| 1906-1937 Joseph Pitman |
1988-1989 Rolando Bonachea |
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| 1937-1953 Edward Sullivan |
1990-2007 Nancy Harrington |