Franklin Pierce University

Franklin Pierce University. Founded in 1962, this private institution in Rindge, New Hampshire was named for the fourteenth president and native son of the state. It has evolved from a small liberal arts college into a comprehensive university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its scenic campus in the Monadnock Region and its competitive athletic teams, the Ravens, which compete in the NCAA Division II.

History

The institution was chartered by a group of citizens from the Monadnock Region, led by Frank S. DiPietro, who sought to establish a college in the area. It opened its doors in 1962 as Franklin Pierce College, initially operating out of a former Hillsborough County home. The early curriculum was strongly influenced by the classical liberal arts tradition. A significant transition occurred in 2007 when it achieved university status, reflecting its expanded graduate offerings in fields like business administration and health sciences. Throughout its history, the university has maintained a focus on integrating professional studies with a foundational liberal arts core, a philosophy championed by its second president, Walter R. Peterson.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Business and the College of Health and Natural Sciences. It offers over 50 majors and minors for undergraduates, with notable programs in biology, criminal justice, and sports media. Graduate studies are administered through the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, featuring master's degrees in areas such as business administration and nursing. The university also operates several professional and continuing education centers across New England, including locations in Manchester and Goodyear, Arizona. Academic life is supported by affiliations with organizations like the New England Commission of Higher Education and features experiential learning opportunities through its Center for Academic Excellence.

Campus

The main residential campus spans 1,200 acres in Rindge, New Hampshire, overlooking the scenic Mount Monadnock and Pearl Lake. Key facilities include the Marlow Library, the Fieldhouse athletic complex, and the recently renovated Rindge student center. The campus architecture blends traditional New England styles with modern academic buildings like the Frank S. DiPietro Hall. Beyond the Rindge hub, the university maintains graduate and professional centers in cities such as Manchester, Portsmouth, and Lebanon, as well as a presence in Goodyear, Arizona.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Ravens, compete primarily in the Northeast-10 Conference of the NCAA Division II. The university fields numerous varsity teams, with particular historical strength in soccer, baseball, and ice hockey. The Ravens have won multiple national championships, most notably in men's soccer. Athletic facilities on the Rindge campus include the Dr. Arthur and Martha Pappas Field for baseball, the Sodexo Field for soccer and lacrosse, and the Jason Ritchie Ice Arena.

Notable alumni and faculty

Distinguished alumni include former Major League Baseball player Carlos Peña, National Hockey League executive Paul Fenton, and New Hampshire politician Kathy Sullivan. The faculty has included scholars like author and historian James A. Percoco and former United States Ambassador George Bruno. The university's namesake, Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, is a central figure in its identity, though he was not directly affiliated with the institution founded in his honor over a century after his presidency.

Category:Universities and colleges in New Hampshire Category:NCAA Division II institutions Category:Educational institutions established in 1962