Eastern Connecticut State University was founded in 1889 as the Willimantic State Normal School to train young women to be teachers. While the school has expanded its mission significantly since then, it has always made teaching an integral part of its identity.

The mission of Eastern Connecticut State University, the state’s designated public liberal arts university, is to provide high-quality undergraduate and select graduate programs to a diverse population of talented students. Eastern’s inclusive residential campus, outstanding faculty, emphasis on teaching excellence and exceptional facilities raise students’ aspirations and cultivate engagement, inquiry, integrity and social responsibility.

In the traditional arts and sciences, as well as in pre-professional programs that are grounded in the liberal arts, Eastern students apply theory in practical settings. Faculty research, scholarship, creative work and community engagement inform teaching and learning, advance knowledge and enrich the liberal arts curriculum. The University is committed to serving the state of Connecticut and the nation by preparing its students for their future personal, professional and public roles, as leaders in both their communities and professional fields.