History

From Normal School to Liberal Arts College

 

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) began as a normal school in 1894 with a two-year diploma program for the preparation of teachers.  In 1932, it became State Teachers College at North Adams and offered a four-year program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in education.  In 1960, the name changed to North Adams State College, when the College was authorized to grant degrees in the liberal arts and professional fields. 

In recognition of its commitment to the liberal arts, the College in 1997 was named Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Shortly thereafter, MCLA embarked upon a Beautification Project through the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Campus Performance Improvement Program (CPIP), which created attractive entrances to campus, reconstructed the academic quadrangle, added tree-lined walkways and installed period lighting and benches that depicted the ambiance of the 19th century.

 

Renovations and Revitalization

 

MCLA reached a milestone in 2006 with the completion of an $8.5 million renovation of historic Murdock Hall, which restored the landmark building to its former grandeur and equipped it with the latest technology. In 2007, Smith House, another historic building on campus, was revitalized, and the college made improvements to its art labs, the TV studio, student lounge space, and the athletic fields.

MCLA also expanded academic programming, recruited an array of outstanding new faculty, provided students with new study abroad, internship, and research opportunities, gave the institution new visibility and fiscal growth, prompted a surge in enrollment, and brought new energy and enthusiasm to virtually every aspect of the college.

Most recently, Governor Deval Patrick signed into law a Higher Education Bond Bill in August 2008 that includes $54.5 million for a new Center for Science and Innovation at MCLA. The College looks forward to the feasibility study and design work to begin in 2009-10.