1889

The Connecticut General Assembly establishes the Willimantic State Normal School, and 13 students begin instruction on the third floor of the Willimantic Savings Institute.

1893

The first male student is enrolled.

1895

A new Willimantic State Normal School is constructed on six acres of land deeded to the State by the Town of Windham in 1890.

1921

In September, 1921, Burr Hall — the school’s first dormitory — opens.

1937

Willimantic State Normal School becomes Willimantic State Teachers College, as the College begins offering a four-year curriculum and granting B.A. degrees. 

1946

Shafer Hall, dedicated in November 1946, is built to replace the original Normal School building, which had been lost to fire.

1958

The College establishes its first graduate program — in education.

1967

Willimantic State College is renamed Eastern Connecticut State College

1983

Eastern becomes Eastern Connecticut State University

1988

President David G. Carter, Sr. begins his tenure as Eastern’s president.

2006

Elsa Nuñez becomes sixth president of the University.