Becker College

Becker College. It was a private institution of higher education with campuses in Worcester, Massachusetts and Leicester, Massachusetts. The college traced its origins to two separate founding institutions from the 18th and 19th centuries, which later merged. Known for specialized programs in fields like video game design and veterinary science, it operated for over two centuries before closing its doors in 2021 due to financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

History

The institution's complex history began with the 1784 founding of Leicester Academy in Leicester, Massachusetts, an early school whose notable trustees included Rufus Putnam and Salem Towne. Separately, in 1887, E.C.A. Becker founded Becker's Business College in Worcester, Massachusetts. These two entities evolved independently for decades, with the Leicester campus eventually becoming a junior college and the Worcester school developing into a secretarial and business institute. A significant merger occurred in 1977 when the two institutions formally united under the Becker College name, creating a single entity with dual campuses. The college later gained national recognition, particularly for its video game design program, which was frequently ranked among the best in the nation by the Princeton Review. Despite this success, the college faced persistent financial instability, leading to its ultimate closure following the 2021 academic year, a decision influenced by the economic pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

Academics

The college offered a range of undergraduate degrees through several distinct academic divisions. It was particularly renowned for its School of Design and Technology, which housed a top-ranked video game design program that attracted students from across the United States and involved collaborations with major industry entities like Microsoft and Electronic Arts. Other prominent areas of study included animal studies and pre-veterinary science through its School of Animal Studies and Natural Sciences, which utilized an on-campus animal shelter and equestrian center. Additional academic units included the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Business and Liberal Arts, and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. The college also maintained a general education core curriculum and provided accelerated degree options through its Center for Accelerated and Professional Studies.

Campus

The institution operated two primary campuses located approximately six miles apart in Central Massachusetts. The Worcester Campus, situated in the city's Elm Park neighborhood, served as the main urban hub and housed most administrative functions, the School of Design and Technology, and several historic buildings. The Leicester Campus, located on a more traditional, wooded site in Leicester, Massachusetts, featured colonial-era architecture including the historic May House and was home to the School of Animal Studies and Natural Sciences with its associated facilities. Campus resources for students included the Boutin Student Center, the Worcester Art Museum which held the college's art collection, and the Lenfestey Tennis Courts.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Hawks, competed primarily in the NCAA Division III as members of the Commonwealth Coast Conference for most sports. The hockey teams, however, competed in the Colonial Hockey Conference. The Hawks fielded varsity teams in sports including men's basketball, women's basketball, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and volleyball. Athletic facilities included the Leicester Gymnasium and the Worcester Ice Center, which served as the home rink for the hockey programs. The mascot, a hawk, was a familiar symbol at intercollegiate competitions against rivals like Anna Maria College and Clark University.

Notable alumni

Graduates have achieved distinction in diverse fields such as politics, sports, and entertainment. In public service, Harriett Woods served as Lieutenant Governor of Missouri and president of the National Women's Political Caucus. Sports figures include National Football League player Mack Herron and Major League Baseball pitcher John Kelly. In the arts, alumnus Paul L. Tamasy co-wrote the screenplay for the film The Fighter, which was nominated for an Academy Award. Other notable graduates encompass Timothy J. Rooney of Yonkers Raceway and United States Army Brigadier General John R. D'Araujo Jr..

Category:Universities and colleges in Massachusetts Category:Educational institutions established in 1784 Category:Educational institutions disestablished in 2021