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Southern Connecticut State University, or SCSU, one of four state universities in Connecticut, is located in New Haven, Connecticut. It was founded in 1893.

History

The institution that later became Southern Connecticut State University came into being on September 11, 1893 as the New Haven State Normal School, when three teachers and 84 students met in New Haven to create a two-year teacher training school. In 1937, Southern became a four-year college with the power to grant the bachelor's degree.

Ten years later, Southern joined with Yale University's department of education to offer a graduate program leading to a master of science degree. In 1954, with Southern changing to meet the needs of its students and society, the State Board of Education authorized the institution - by then known as New Haven State Teachers College - to assume complete responsibility for this graduate program.

In 1959, six years after the institution had moved to its present location on Crescent Street, state legislation expanded Southern's offerings to include liberal arts programs leading to bachelor's degrees in the arts and sciences. This same legislation reorganized the school and renamed it Southern Connecticut State College.

For the next 24 years, Southern grew, modernized, and diversified, expanding its undergraduate and graduate programs. Then, in March 1983, Southern Connecticut State College was rechristened Southern Connecticut State University.

Also in March 1983, Southern became part of the Connecticut State University system, which includes Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, and Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Southern serves as a center for culture and education for the entire region. The campus clinics provide diagnosis and treatment of speech, hearing, and reading problems, and learning disabilities. In the fine arts, Southern plays host to workshops in literature and dance, art exhibits, performances by professional artists as well as student artists, and institutes on a wide range of topics.

Teacher Education

In keeping with its origins as a teachers college, Southern Connecticut State remains a leading center for teacher education in New England. It produces more teachers, principals, and school superintendents than any other institution in Connecticut. The university recently received approval for its first doctoral program, to be administered by the Department of Educational Leadership in the School of Education. Students who complete this program will received the degree of Doctor of Education, or Ed.D.

Athletics

Its sports teams are nicknamed The Fighting Owls.

Buildings on Campus

The Michael J. Adanti Student Center is named after former President Emeritus Michael J. Adanti (Class of 1963, 6th year 1971), who died on July 31, 2005.

Commencement Speakers

• 2006: Marlee Matlin
• 2005: Henry Winkler
• 2003: Sigourney Weaver

Notable Alumni

• Dan Lauria, actor, graduated in 1970
• Tony Amendola, actor, graduated in 1974
• R. Bruce Connelly, actor, graduated in 1971
• Joanna Keylock, actress, graduated in 1991
• Laura Jean Kirk, actress, graduated in 1994
• Janet Sarno, actress, graduated in 1955
• Elizabeth Missan Yost, head of original programming and development for the Hallmark Channel, graduated in 1985
• Thomas O'Neil, author, graduated with a M.A. in 1990
• Dr. Joseph R. Testa, cancer geneticist, graduated in 1969, M.S. in 1972

Source: Southern Magazine

External links

• SCSU Web Page

• Universities and colleges in Connecticut
• New Haven, Connecticut
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Educational institutions established in 1893