Governor Duval Patrick signed a bill allowing Salem State College to become Salem State University as part of a new Massachusetts state university system. The name change recognizes the school's accomplishments and is expected to help attract more applicants and non-state funding. Salem State University now has over 10,000 undergraduates and 2,500 graduate students and is located just north of Boston.

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Brittany Rossetti
Marketing Communications
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B_rossetti@salemstate.edu
SALEM STATE GETS NAME UPGRADE
SALEM, Mass. July 28, 2010 — Governor Duval Patrick signed a bill today allowing Salem State College to
transform into Salem State University. Salem State is among 6 otherstate colleges to be part of a new Massachusetts
state university system.
Patricia Maguire Meservey, university president said, “It’s much more than a name change. It is recognition of what
our institute has accomplished.” Meservey began pushing for the name change when she became president.
The 6 state universities to receive a name change are Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University,
Framingham State University, Salem State University, Westfield State University and WorcesterState University. It
is believed that this name change will help the schools receive more non-state funding and attract more applicants.
Salem State has slowly seen its handful of name changes.Founded in 1854 as the Salem Normal School, it has since
then seen five name changes. RobertBrown,universityprofessorsaid, “It’s great to see Salem State finally
being recognized for what it is.”
Today, Salem State University boasts more than 10,000 undergraduates and 2,500 graduate students.Current
graduate student and undergraduate alumni, Kelly Batista, shared her excitement. “I can’t wait to see “University”
written on my next diploma!”
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Salem State University, located just 15 miles north of Boston, is one of the largest state universities in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and an important partner in the economic, cultural and intellectual vitality of the
greater north-of-Boston region. Situated in the historic seacoast town of Salem, Massachusetts, SalemState provides
a diverse community of learners a high quality, student-centered education; one that prepares themto contribute
responsibly and creatively to a global society.
352 Lafayette Street,
Salem,MA 01970
978. 542. 6000
www.salemstate.edu