150 Years of Geneseo
As we share the history of the College, we wish to acknowledge that SUNY Geneseo resides on the historic homeland of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. This acknowledgement is intended as a respectful recognition of a painful history, and we believe is particularly important in light of Geneseo’s educational mission and its Community Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
1871–1880
The Beginning
SUNY Geneseo opened its doors in 1867 as the Wadsworth Normal and Training School, which issued state-certified teaching credentials to students on completion of two- or three-year academic and training programs.
1881–1890
A Growing Institution
A training school was added to the back of the Normal School and enrollment doubled during the decade.
1891–1900
First Athletic Competitions
The football and men’s track and field teams participated in the college’s earliest known intercollegiate athletic competitions.
1901–1910
Curriculum Changes
The college’s original curriculum was reorganized, now requiring two years of professional study.
1911–1920
World War I
The Normal School sent four faculty and 117 students and graduates to fight in World War I. Eight lost their lives.
1921–1930
Student Teaching Began
The newly established Department of Rural Education began offering real-world student teaching experiences off campus.
1931–1940
Admissions Standards and Selectivity Raised
Admissions tests, a high school principal statement, faculty interviews, and voice and diction tests became required for admission.
1941–1950
World War II
The College faced a 50 percent drop in enrollment during World War II. The Class of 1944 had only one male student.
1951–1960
National Accreditation Arrived, Old Main Said Goodbye
Geneseo earned its first accreditation by the Middle States Association.
The college’s first building, Old Main, was razed to make room for new construction.
1961–1970
New Name and Construction Boom
In 1962 the College officially changed its named to the State University College at Geneseo. In 1967 the campus erected seven new buildings.
1971–1980
Preserving the College's History
The college libraries formed the Genesee Valley Historical Collection and the College Archives Collection, the first systematic effort to collect and preserve SUNY Geneseo history.
1981–1990
Ivy League Reputation
Word of Geneseo’s Ivy League reputation spread and was featured in publications such as Money Magazine and the New York Times.
1991–2000
College Joined COPLAC
The Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges promotes and supports high-quality, public liberal arts education in a student-centered, residential environment.
2001–2010
New Housing Village Opened
The Saratoga Terrace townhouse-style complex was built as an upper-level student alternative to traditional corridor or suite-style buildings.
2011–2020
A New President, Many Firsts
The Office of Sustainability was established, the first Lavender and Sankofa Graduations took place, and the college’s first chief diversity officer was hired.
