By Central’s Office of Marketing and Communications
Central Connecticut State University is turning 175 years old! The university is the first publicly funded institution of higher education and kicked off a year-long celebration in February to commemorate its long history of excellence. Faculty provide high-quality experiential learning that positions graduates for a successful future in the state workforce.
From then to now
Founded in 1849 as the New Britain Normal School, Central focused on training educators and would be renamed the Teachers College of Connecticut in 1933.
Today, Central offers more than 100 academic programs of study. However, the education programs continue to attract students dedicated to teaching.
“Central’s Education program is preparing me for a successful career as a teacher by providing some of the best resources and professional development opportunities,” said student Hannah Footit. “All of the professors are available for extra help, and they genuinely want to see you succeed, which allows you to get the guidance you need to polish your skills to become a teacher.”
One of Central’s most noted Education graduates is Dr. Miguel Cardona ’97 who is serving as the 12th United States Secretary of Education.
Of course, Central has earned other accolades during its 175 years. In 1853, Ebenezer D. Bassett, became the first African American graduate of the Normal School. He would go on to be appointed as the United States’ Minister Resident to Haiti, making him the first African American to attain diplomatic appointment.
In 1946, Central became the only New England teachers’ college to be accredited by the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Today, Central has numerous programs, including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and American Council for Construction Education.
In 2002, Central became the first institution of higher education in the world to offer an all-online master’s degree program in Data Mining. Today, Central continues that trend by offering courses not found at other state schools, including a minor in Artificial Intelligence. Central also was the first public institution in Connecticut to offer a major in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Technology. Recently, the National Security Agency designated Central as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through academic year 2028.
Central also is the only school in the Connecticut State Colleges and University (CSCU) system to offer a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program. Central graduates have had a 100 percent pass rate on the National Certification Examination.
Central officially became Central Connecticut State University in 1983 and, three years later, achieved an NCAA Division I designation in sports. Today, Central is home to 16 Division I athletic teams that provide a tremendous amount of Blue Devil pride. Our men’s basketball team, men’s and women’s track and cross country, women’s swimming and diving, women’s soccer, and men’s baseball teams are regular Northeast Conference Champions.
The university’s multimillion-dollar C.J. Huang Recreation Center offers intramural and club sports fitness and other activities in an expansive and accommodating space. Central also has more than 120 student clubs, organizations, and leadership activities where students can find community and expand their experience.
Community engagement
In recognition of the role Central plays in the Greater New Britain area, the university was designated as a Carnegie Community Engagement Institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This is a result of Central’s strong connections with the New Britain community, particularly through our Center for Community Engagement and Social Research, which provides opportunities for students to meet residents and leaders through activities that contribute back to neighborhoods, organizations, and individuals. Service-learning projects such as food and clothing drives, community cleanups, and other projects enable students to find a new passion and a sense of purpose. Central’s community relationships have created a workforce development pipeline for students who often go on to be the future employers, creators, innovators, and leaders of Connecticut.
The largest of Connecticut’s four-year public institutions of higher education in the CSCU system, Central has been building a legacy of excellence for 175 years. As we spend the next year celebrating the significant milestones of our history, we continue to be a leader in academic excellence, innovation, athletics, and community.
Visit ccsu.edu today to learn why we are Central to excellence!
