Since its founding in 1929, Marist College has served the Hudson Valley and students from all over the world thanks to programs that offer international study – including at the institution’s campus in Florence, Italy. Now, as of January 29 of this year, the Poughkeepsie-based college will become Marist University to better reflect its scope of global programs, signaling the institution’s bright vision for the future as it nears its centennial in 2029.
The transition was announced following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees in support and subsequent approval of university designation from the New York State Board of Regents. As a school that has long combined the resources of a large university with the personal attention of a small college, the change in status from college to university hopes to introduce Marist to more prospective students as the institution continues to rise in appeal and remain a prestigious name in higher education.
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“Marist has achieved remarkable success over the past several decades, transforming from a small regional college into a nationally and internationally renowned leader in higher education,” says President Dr. Kevin C. Weinman. “Marist University better describes the breadth of opportunities we offer to students today and the vision we have for Marist’s next century.”
As a university, Marist will continue its signature educational approach, which includes a wide-ranging curriculum that blends liberal arts and pre-professional programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, 23 Division I athletic teams, research and experiential learning opportunities outside of the classroom, and study abroad programs that are ranked number one among peer institutions by a 2024 U.S. Department of State-sponsored report.
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“As we expand our global reach, the name Marist University provides important clarity to prospective international students, who typically associate the word ‘college’ with secondary education, while also highlighting the strength of our graduate programs,” says Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat, Provost and Dean of Faculty. “University designation will ensure every person fully appreciates the range of our degree and certificate programs, along with the rich array of academic and co-curricular experiences we offer our students.”
To honor the college’s transition to university, the institution is hosting a Marist University Day Celebration on January 29. The community-wide celebration includes a full day of exciting events, including activities, giveaways, block parties, exhibitions, and more. Community members who can’t make it to campus can watch live at www.marist.edu starting at 11 a.m. with a kick-off ceremony in the newly constructed Dyson Center.
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