UMass Boston was established in 1964 as a new campus within the University of Massachusetts system and was founded under the name "UMass Boston." Therefore, based on its establishment as a distinct entity within the university system, it did not have a different name prior to its founding as UMass Boston.
The Evolution of the University of Massachusetts System
The establishment of UMass Boston in 1964 was a key step in the University of Massachusetts's development into a comprehensive multi-campus system. The university itself underwent several transformations before this expansion:
- Early Beginnings: The institution now known as the University of Massachusetts originated as the Massachusetts Agricultural College.
- Name Changes:
- In 1932, the Massachusetts Agricultural College was renamed Massachusetts State College.
- Later, in 1947, Massachusetts State College officially became the University of Massachusetts.
Expansion into a Multi-Campus System
The 1960s marked a period of significant growth and decentralization for the University of Massachusetts, leading to the formation of its multi-campus structure:
- First New Campus: The university expanded into a multi-campus system with the establishment of the UMass Medical School in Worcester in 1962.
- UMass Boston's Founding: Following the medical school's establishment, UMass Boston soon followed in 1964, solidifying the university's presence in the state's largest city and becoming a vital part of the expanding system.
This timeline illustrates that UMass Boston was founded in 1964 under its current name as a newly established campus, rather than being renamed from a previous institution under the UMass umbrella.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1932 | Massachusetts Agricultural College becomes Massachusetts State College |
| 1947 | Massachusetts State College becomes the University of Massachusetts |
| 1962 | UMass Medical School (Worcester) established as a new campus |
| 1964 | UMass Boston established as a new campus under its current name |
