Manhattan College Announces Name Change To Manhattan University
Manhattan College today announced that, effective immediately, it will change its name to Manhattan University in order to better recognize its more than 100 majors, minors, graduate programs, and advanced certificates and degrees, and attract a more globally diverse student body to this premiere higher educational institution. The NYS Board of Regents approved the name change on August 1st of this year.
The institution has a long history in New York City. Founded in 1853 in Manhattan as a Lasallian Catholic College, Manhattan College relocated to the Bronx in 1923. President Milo Riverso, Ph.D., stated, “As a 1981 graduate of the school and a proud Jasper, I’ve always thought of Manhattan College as something bigger, given the number of disciplines in the three schools we operate, the superb quality of our faculty, and the growing international reach of the student body. It’s a natural evolution in our long history in New York City, and a natural progression of our legacy that has stood for more than 170 years. It signifies our commitment to academic excellence and rigor, and showcases the myriad majors and minors that we offer our students in preparation for career-ready opportunities or further advanced academic study.”
Riverso continued, “We are dedicated to having a broad and diverse student population with an enhanced emphasis on increasing our international student populations. Additionally, as a Hispanic-serving institution, the university designation strengthens the distinction within these countries between college – often viewed as the equivalent of the U.S. high school – and the more appropriate university terminology.”
In May 2022, the institution surveyed more than 3,000 students, faculty, staff, administrators, Board of Trustees, and alumni regarding a potential name change for the school. The vast majority of responders said yes to the transition to “University.”
According to the New York State Higher Education Committee of the Board of Regents, there is “…increasing competition from institutions chartered in other states recruiting students in New York, nationally, and internationally, where the term “college” presents a significant challenge.”
Manhattan University is primed to recruit the best and brightest students who will, in turn, become the future leaders of tomorrow and join the august group of alumni who form an integral part of the School’s heritage.