History of the University

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth traces its roots to 1895 when the state Legislature chartered the New Bedford Textile School and the Bradford Durfee Textile School in Fall River.

As the region’s economic base shifted from textiles to more diverse manufacturing and service industries, the colleges adapted by diversifying their curricula to respond to the needs of new generations of students. By the middle of the 20th century, the colleges grew rapidly, spurred by the GI Bill and the emerging economic and social advantages of a well-educated citizenry. They evolved into multipurpose institutions that prepared engineers, health care workers, teachers, and business leaders.

In 1962, the Legislature created Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute (SMTI) by merging the New Bedford Textile School and the Bradford Durfee Textile School, the first in a series of mergers and acquisitions that form the current day University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The 710-acre campus in Dartmouth, located between the urban centers of New Bedford and Fall River, was created in 1964. The dramatic campus design was the work of renowned architect Paul Rudolph, then Dean of the Yale University School of Art and Architecture.

The public demand for a comprehensive university provided the momentum in 1969 to transform SMTI into Southeastern Massachusetts University. The University continued to grow through the 1970s when its first residence halls were opened and through the 1980s as research and studio facilities were added. In 1988, the Dion Science and Engineering Building opened, as well as the Cedar Dell Townhouse Complex.

Also in 1988, the Swain School of Design in New Bedford merged with the University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, strengthening programs in art and artisanry. The Swain merger added downtown New Bedford art facilities to the University.

In 1991, Southeastern Massachusetts University and the University of Lowell joined the University of Massachusetts, which already had campuses in Amherst, Boston, and Worcester. Thus, Southeastern Massachusetts University became the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

In 1994, UMass Dartmouth received approval to offer its first Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. In 1997, construction was completed on the School for Marine Science and Technology, located on 2.6 acres in New Bedford, near Buzzards Bay.

In 2001, the University opened the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Star Store facility in downtown New Bedford, a structure transformed from a landmark department store into a vibrant arts center located in the city’s historic district. That same year, the University opened the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center in Fall River. The 60,000 square foot research center and business incubator facility, now called the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), currently houses a major pharmaceutical firm, 20 start-up technology companies, prototype shops, conference space and laboratories. Several companies have graduated from the CIE, creating jobs in the region.

In 2002, the University began a major expansion of student housing, growing to 4,500 beds in 2005. This made the University a predominantly residential campus. In 2004, the University opened a new Charlton College of Business building, and recently added a Charlton Learning Pavilion wing. In 2007, the University opened a 22,000 square foot research building, focusing on interdisciplinary science initiatives.

In 2010, the University opened its School of Law, the only public law school in Massachusetts. The school has since earned national American Bar Association accreditation. A major renovation and expansion of the 160,000 square foot Claire T. Carney Library was completed in 2013. The project more than doubled the use of the library by students and won numerous architecture awards for bringing a modern approach to Rudolph’s vision.

Throughout its history, the University has been a national leader in civic engagement, and in 2013 earned a national top 20 ranking among nearly 800 institutions ranked by the Corporation for National Community Service.

In 2016, the University achieved formal doctoral institution status when the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education designated the university as a “Doctoral University–Higher Research Activity.” The University remains the only

Massachusetts research university located south of Boston.

In 2018, the University broke ground on a housing and dining complex designed to transform the student living and learning experience on campus. The 1,200-bed housing complex is also home to technology-equipped maker spaces where students collaborate on group projects, soundproof music practice spaces, and two computer learning commons. Attached to the Balsam and Spruce Halls is the 800-seat dining facility called The Grove. This marketplace concept expanded food options in response to students’ needs and expectations. The complex was opened to students in the fall of 2020.

In recognition of the University’s mission fulfillment, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University #69 in the nation, #2 in Massachusetts, and #3 in New England on their 2023 Top Performers on Social Mobility list. The ranking analyzes institutions that are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of low-income students awarded Pell Grants.