Westfield State is an education leader committed to providing students of every generation with a learning experience built on its founding principle as the first co-educational college in America to offer an education without barrier to race, gender or economic status. This spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies that creates a vital community of engaged learners who become confident, capable individuals prepared for leadership and service to society.

• 1839: Founded by Horace Mann as the first public coeducational school for teacher education in the U.S. The school is opened in Barre, Mass. as Normal School for teacher training.
• 1844: Moved to Westfield
• 1847: Alumni Association established
• 1892: Dedication of Court Street building (now City Hall)
• 1925: Student government established
• 1932: Name changed to State Teachers College and a four-year program instituted
• 1956: Current campus dedicated
• 1960: Name changed to State College at Westfield
• 1960s: Graduate and Continuing Education instituted
• 1967: Name changed to Westfield State College
• 2009: Largest freshman class and highest enrollment in Westfield State’s history
• 2010: Name changed to Westfield State University
• 2014: First nursing class graduates 21 students
• 2016: New Science and Innovation Center opens

• About
  • Our History
    • Important Milestones
    • 175 Facts for 175 Years
  • Who We Are
    • Distinctions, Awards, & Rankings
    • Accreditations
    • Leadership
  • Our Future
    • Mission & Vision
    • Strategic Planning
    • Giving to Westfield
  • Quick Facts
    • About Westfield, MA
    • Directions
    • Campus Map & Photo Gallery
    • Public Safety
    • Student Body Profile