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
In recognition of its role as the Commonwealth's designated public liberal arts college, 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.
In October 2011 the College broke ground on the Center for Science and Innovation. Work on the $54.5 million project began with a feasibility project in Fiscal Year 2010, culminating in a site designation announcement in October 2010. This project represents the largest investment in public higher education in the history of Berkshire County, and will be an important resource for faculty, students, K-12 educators, and the community. MCLA expects this facility to be completed in 2013.
