Worcester Business Journal

W o r c e s t e r 3 0 0 : C i t y o f I n n o v a t o r s 73 F or nearly 150 years, Worcester State University has educated this region's leaders, initially for the school system, then as a pipeline for the entire workforce ecosystem. From its earliest days as a preparatory school for teachers, to today, as a premiere university in the Northeast, Worcester State University has provided high quality education to the city of Worcester and surrounding communities to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce and engaged public. It all started at the Worcester Normal School, which opened its doors in 1874, part of a growing trend of institutions dedicated to training the next generation of teachers. Since then, the school has grown into a thriving liberal arts and sciences college and leading university with the addition of several in-demand undergraduate and graduate degrees, and state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and learning spaces. Today, Worcester State University offers over 80 undergraduate degree programs, and 30 graduate-level programs, available on campus and online. And, with its signature MajorPlus, Worcester State University makes it possible for students to complete two majors in just four years, opening the door to endless opportunities and doubling the return on their investment. Barry M. Maloney became the 11th president of the University in July 2011. Under his leadership, Worcester State University has invested in full-time faculty, enhanced fundraising, and improved student success. Opportunities for civic engagement and service learning as well as student-exchange and study away programs have also grown substantially during President Maloney's tenure. In 2014, Sheehan Hall, a modern 400-bed residence hall, named for Lt. Col. James F. Sheehan, '55, opened, followed in 2016 by the Wellness Center, a 101,000 square- foot, state-of-the-art athletic and recreation facility. "We are proud of our heritage as a leading provider of career-ready education for the people of Worcester," said President Maloney, "and we look forward to another 150 years of working with local and state institutions, businesses, and employers to prepare students for the next generation of economic opportunity and civic engagement." n WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY: Serving Worcester for Nearly 150 Years 486 Chandler Street Worcester, MA 01602 508.929.8428 worcester.edu Barry M. Maloney, President Year Founded: 1874 Worcester State University champions academic excellence in a diverse, student-centered environment that fosters scholarship, creativity, and global awareness. A Worcester State education equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for lives of professional accomplishment, engaged citizenship, and intellectual growth. S P O N S O R E D P R O F I L E S

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