Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has officially certified that Pathways, the Campaign for MCLA has raised $33.4 million
June 22, 2026
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has officially certified that Pathways, the Campaign for MCLA has raised $33.4 million, surpassing its original $25 million
goal by more than $8 million. The Campaign Cabinet met on July 15 to formally mark
the conclusion of the College’s most ambitious fundraising campaign.
“Tonight, we celebrate not only a number, but the collective belief in the power of
public higher education and in MCLA's future,” said Julie Arnold, Pathways Campaign
Cabinet member. “Together, we have written a historic chapter in the College's story.”
Funds raised through Pathways have supported scholarships, athletic facility enhancements,
travel opportunities for students, and professional development for faculty members.
The Campaign's success has helped the MCLA endowment reach the highest level in the
College's history, and MCLA's reserve fund has doubled over the past five years to
$27 million, reflecting a sustained commitment to long-term financial health.
"The impact of this campaign will be felt for generations,” said MCLA President Dr. Diana Rogers-Adkinson. “Just this May, that impact was on full display at Commencement, when 193 graduates
crossed the stage, many of them supported directly by scholarships this campaign made
possible. As I begin my presidency at MCLA, I could not ask for a more inspiring introduction
to this community.”
The certification comes at a time of significant momentum for MCLA. The College has
launched new academic majors including global studies, nursing, and music, industry and production; welcomed new athletic programs including men's lacrosse, and men's and women's ice hockey; and seen strong growth in deposits for the Fall 2026 semester. The certification
of the Pathways Campaign reflects an institution that has been building deliberately
and investing confidently in its students and its future.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we're here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed
to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered
to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 132-year commitment to
public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for
11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts
Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic
prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer
on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer
on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings
measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants.