Eastern Connecticut State University facts for kids
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Former names
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Willimantic State Normal School (1889–1937) Willimantic State Teachers College (1937–1967) Eastern Connecticut State College (1967–1983) |
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| Motto | Connecticut's Public Liberal Arts University |
| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1889 |
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Parent institution
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Connecticut State University System |
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Academic affiliation
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Space-grant |
| President | Karim Ismaili |
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Academic staff
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221 (FT); 315 (PT) |
| Students | 4,125 (Spring 2022) [1] |
| Undergraduates | 3,929 (Spring 2022) [2] |
| Postgraduates | 169 (Spring 2022) [3] |
| Location |
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U.S.
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| Campus | Suburban, 182 acres (74 ha) |
| Colors | Navy blue & burgundy |
| Nickname | Warriors |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division III - Little East |
| Mascot | Spearhead |
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Eastern Connecticut State University (often called Eastern or ECSU) is a public university located in Willimantic, Connecticut. It was started in 1889, making it one of the oldest public universities in Connecticut. Eastern is part of the Connecticut State University System.
The university campus covers about 182 acres (0.74 km²) in Willimantic. It is about 30 minutes from Hartford. Eastern is also located about halfway between New York City and Boston. While most classes are on the main campus, some are held at other colleges nearby.
Contents
History of Eastern Connecticut State University
Starting as a Normal School
The university began in 1889 as the Willimantic State Normal School. A "normal school" was a special type of college. Its main purpose was to train people to become schoolteachers. The very first class had thirteen female students. They attended classes on the third floor of a local bank building. The first male student joined the school in 1893.
Growing the Campus
In 1890, the town of Windham gave 6 acres (0.024 km²) of land to the State of Connecticut. This land was used to build a new campus for the school. The larger campus was finished in 1895. The first building where students could live, called Burr Hall, opened in 1921.
Becoming a College and University
The school changed its name to Willimantic State Teachers College in 1937. This happened after it started offering four-year degrees. The original Normal School building was later destroyed in a fire. A new building, Shafer Hall, was built in its place and opened in 1946.
In 1953, the college started its first program for advanced degrees in education. As the school grew and added more programs, it changed its name again. In 1967, it became Eastern Connecticut State College. Finally, in 1983, it became Eastern Connecticut State University.
Exploring the Campus
Eastern's campus is spread out over 182 acres (0.74 km²). It is divided into three main areas. These areas are South Campus, North Campus, and the University Sports Complex.
South Campus: The Historic Area
South Campus is the oldest part of the university. It has historic buildings like Burr Hall. Burr Hall was the first dormitory and opened in 1921. This area shows the long history of the university.
North Campus: The Modern Area
North Campus is the newer part of the university. Here you will find the main library. There is also a center for fine arts and the student center. This area has more modern buildings and facilities.
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ECSU's Clock Tower
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ECSU's Science Building
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The J. Eugene Smith Library (right) and clock tower (left)
What Students Study at Eastern
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Eastern Connecticut State University has different schools where students can study. These include the School of Arts and Sciences. There is also the School of Education and Professional Studies. A third school is the School of Continuing Education.
Students can earn advanced degrees in education. They can also get teaching certifications. Another advanced program is in Organizational Management.
University Rankings
Eastern Connecticut State University is recognized for its quality. For 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Eastern among the top regional universities in the North. It was tied for #69 out of 178 universities. It was also ranked #23 among public schools in the North.
How to Apply to Eastern
In 2024, Eastern accepted about 73.8% of students who applied. Students who were accepted had an average GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.4. A GPA is a way to measure a student's grades.
Eastern is a "test optional" school. This means you do not have to send your SAT or ACT test scores when you apply. However, if students did send scores, the average SAT score was between 980 and 1190. The average ACT score was between 16 and 28.
Institute for Sustainable Energy
The Institute for Sustainable Energy opened in 2001. This institute teaches about sustainable energy. Sustainable energy is power that comes from sources that won't run out. It also helps create rules for using clean energy. The institute helps put sustainable energy ideas into action.
In 2012, Eastern installed a special fuel cell. This fuel cell helps power the Science Building. It uses clean energy to provide most of the electricity needed. This project helps the university be more environmentally friendly.
Student Housing
Many students live on campus at Eastern. About 87% of first-year students live in university housing. Overall, 60% of all full-time students live in dorms or apartments.
The campus has different types of housing. There are halls for first-year students. There are also halls for older students. Students who are sophomores or older can live in upperclassman halls. The university has six first-year halls, five upperclassman halls, and two sets of apartments.
Student Life and Organizations
Eastern offers more than 80 different student groups. These groups allow students to get involved in many activities. There are clubs for sports, politics, and different cultures. Students can also join art and communication clubs.
The campus has its own TV news station called ETV. The Student Government Association helps students connect with the university leaders. Each residence hall also has a student council. These councils plan fun events and trips for students living in the dorms.
Eastern Warriors Athletics
Eastern's sports teams are called the "Warriors." Their logo shows a shield with two crossed swords. The university is part of the NCAA Division III. They compete in the Little East Conference.
Men's and Women's Sports
Men's varsity sports include baseball, basketball, and soccer. They also have cross country, lacrosse, and track and field. Women's varsity sports include basketball, softball, and volleyball. They also have cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, and track and field.
Club and Intramural Sports
Students can also play intramural sports for fun. These include dodgeball, flag football, and ultimate frisbee. Club sports offer more competitive play. These include competitive cheerleading, ice hockey, and rugby.
Championship Teams
Eastern's sports teams have won many championships. The men's baseball team has won the NCAA Division III national championship five times. They won in 1982, 1990, 1998, 2002, and 2022. The women's softball team has also won five national championships. They won in 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, and 1990.
Notable People from Eastern
Many successful people have studied at Eastern Connecticut State University. Here are a few:
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – A famous Nigerian writer.
- Pat Boyd – A representative in the Connecticut State government.
- Camille Kostek – A model who appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She is also a TV presenter and actress.
- Victoria Leigh Soto – A brave teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
See also
- Connecticut State University System
- WECS
