Eastern Connecticut State University facts for kids
 |
|
|
Former names
|
Willimantic State Normal School (1889–1937) Willimantic State Teachers College (1937–1967) Eastern Connecticut State College (1967–1983) |
|---|---|
| Motto | Connecticut's Public Liberal Arts University |
| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1889 |
|
Parent institution
|
Connecticut State University System |
|
Academic affiliation
|
Space-grant |
| President | Elsa Nuñez |
|
Academic staff
|
221 (FT); 315 (PT) |
| Students | 4,125 (Spring 2022) [1] |
| Undergraduates | 3,929 (Spring 2022) [2] |
| Postgraduates | 169 (Spring 2022) [3] |
| Location |
,
,
U.S.
|
| Campus | Suburban, 182 acres (74 ha) |
| Colors | Navy blue & burgundy |
| Nickname | Warriors |
|
Sporting affiliations
|
NCAA Division III - Little East |
| Mascot | Spearhead |
 |
|
Eastern Connecticut State University (often called Eastern or ECSU) is a public university located in Willimantic, Connecticut. It was founded in 1889, making it one of the oldest public universities in Connecticut.
The university campus covers about 182 acres. It is located in Willimantic, which is about 30 minutes from Hartford. Eastern is also halfway between New York City and Boston. While most classes are on the main campus, some are held at other colleges nearby.
Eastern Connecticut State University is part of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system.
Contents
History of Eastern Connecticut State University
Early Beginnings as a Normal School
The university started in 1889. Back then, it was called the Willimantic State Normal School. A "normal school" was a special type of school. Its main job was to train people to become teachers.
The very first class had thirteen female students. They attended classes on the third floor of a local building. In 1893, the first male student joined the school.
Growing the Campus
In 1890, the town gave 6 acres of land to the state. This land was used to build a new campus for the school. The new, larger campus was finished in 1895.
The first building where students could live, called Burr Hall, opened in 1921. In 1937, the school changed its name to Willimantic State Teachers College. This happened because it started offering four-year degrees (bachelor's degrees).
Becoming a University
The original Normal School building was destroyed by 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 (graduate programs) in education. As the school grew and offered more programs, its name changed again. In 1967, it became Eastern Connecticut State College. Finally, in 1983, it became Eastern Connecticut State University.
Academics at Eastern
Eastern Connecticut State University has three main areas of study. These are the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and Professional Studies, and the School of Continuing Education.
Students can earn advanced degrees in education, teacher certification, and organizational management. These programs are offered through the School of Education and Professional Studies.
Institute for Sustainable Energy
The Institute for Sustainable Energy opened in 2001. This institute focuses on teaching about sustainable energy. Sustainable energy means using power sources that don't run out and don't harm the environment.
The institute helps people learn about sustainable energy. It also helps create rules for using clean energy. And it helps put sustainable energy solutions into action.
In 2012, Eastern installed a special fuel cell. This fuel cell helps power the Science Building. It uses clean energy and helps the university be more environmentally friendly.
Student Housing
Many students at Eastern live on campus. About 87% of new students live in university housing. Overall, about 60% of all full-time students live there.
The campus has different dorms for first-year students and older students. There are six dorms for first-year students. There are five dorms and two sets of apartments for students who are sophomores or older.
Student Organizations
Eastern offers more than 80 different groups and clubs for students. These groups cover many interests. Students can join clubs for sports, politics, different cultures, art, and communication.
For example, there is a campus newscast called ETV. The Student Government Association helps students share their ideas with the university leaders. Each dorm also has a student council that plans fun events and trips for the students living there.
Athletics: The Warriors
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.
Varsity Sports
- Men's sports: Baseball, basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, and track and field (indoor and outdoor).
- Women's sports: Basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball.
Club and Intramural Sports
Eastern also offers many club sports and intramural sports. Intramural sports are fun, casual games played between students on campus. Club sports are more competitive than intramurals but not as intense as varsity sports.
Examples include:
- Co-ed indoor and outdoor soccer
- Dodgeball
- Flag football
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Ultimate frisbee
- Ice hockey club
- Rugby club
Championship Wins
Eastern's sports teams have won many national championships!
- The men's baseball team has won the NCAA Division III national championship five times (1982, 1990, 1998, 2002, and 2022).
- The women's softball team has also won national championships five times (1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, and 1990).
Campus Layout
Eastern's campus is spread out over 182 acres. It is divided into three main areas: South Campus, North Campus, and the University Sports Complex.
- South Campus is the oldest part of the university. It has historic buildings like Burr Hall, which was the first dorm built in 1921.
- North Campus is the newer part of the university. Here you'll find the library, the fine arts center, and the student center.
Notable Alumni
Many successful people have graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University, including:
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – A famous Nigerian writer.
- Pat Boyd – A Connecticut State Representative.
- Camille Kostek – A model who was on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
- Victoria Leigh Soto – A brave teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
- Susan Wilson – An author.
See also
- Connecticut State University System
- WECS
