1837 - Horace Mann, the first Massachusetts secretary of education and a key figure in national reform efforts, is an excellent example of the multifaceted approach taken by education reformers.

1960 - Legislature approves name change from "teachers colleges" to "state colleges" and Bridgewater State Teachers College becomes Bridgewater State College.

2010 - Massachusetts General Court overwhelming approved legislation to grant university status to the commonwealth’s state colleges.