Category: Campus
GRS Predecessor Opens
The School of All Sciences, now the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, opens.
William Fairfield Warren, BU’s Inaugural President
from 1873–1903
In 1867, William Fairfield Warren became acting president of Boston Theological School, which evolved into Boston University. The former pastor was officially appointed president of BU in 1873. Warren created a distinctive new educational institution, combining the breadth of the American liberal arts college, the inclusion of professional studies typical of the British university, and the focus on original research of the German university. Serving for 30 years, Warren championed higher education for all students regardless of religion, race, or sex. During his administration, BU became the first university anywhere to award a doctor of philosophy to a woman.
School of Medicine Established
Boston University acquires the New England Female Medical College and the School of Medicine is established.
CAS (Formerly CLA) Established
The College of Liberal Arts, now the College of Arts & Sciences, is established, the first fully coed liberal arts college in New England.
School of Law Founded
Boston University School of Law is founded; it is the second School adopted into Boston University. The law school reforms the system of legal education in the US by requiring an admission exam, offering three-year courses, and being among the first to admit women and minorities.
College of Music Established
The College of Music is established, the first degree-granting music school in the country. The New England Conservatory is founded by William Claflin, the son of BU founder Lee Claflin. The two programs share deanship, faculty and facilities, and grant joint degrees.
University Charter Established
Boston University is chartered by three businessmen, Isaac Rich, Lee Claflin, and Jacob Sleeper. The Boston Theological Seminary is the University’s first department.
Divisions Open to Women
Boston University is among the first universities in the United States to open all of its divisions to female students.
Boston Theological Seminary Rechartered
The Methodist General Biblical Institute is moved to Boston and rechartered as the Boston Theological Seminary.
Newbury Biblical Institute Transferred and Renamed
The theology department of the Newbury Biblical Institute is transferred to Concord, New Hampshire, and renamed the Methodist General Biblical Institute.
