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2011-2020: A Visual History

June 29, 2020
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2012

In June 2012, Bay Path welcomes the inaugural class of MS in Physician Assistant Studies.

In October 2012, Bay Path University receives a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education as part of its Title III: Strengthening Institutions Grant initiative for “The Learners and Leaders” project.

There is excitement and joy in the air as the Title III grant is announced. The grant will be a major step of redefining the curriculum and how teaching and learning is delivered to students. Pictured from left: Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, Provost; U.S. Congressman Richard Neal; and President Leary.

2013

The American Women’s College (TAWC), the first all-women, all-online bachelor’s degree program in the country, is officially launched in 2013. Located in Springfield, MA, TAWC’s goal is olympian: to provide an opportunity for millions of women in America to earn their bachelor’s degree through the revolutionary Social Online Universal Learning (SOUL) platform. In 2014, SOUL is one of only 24 institutions in the U.S. to receive a FIPSE (Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education) “First in the World” grant for $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Education.

The American Women’s College enrolls women throughout the United States. It is a reflection of the New America – as of 2019, 42% are from diverse backgrounds, and 47% are first-generation students.

2014

The College secures approvals from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) for the transition to university status. Bay Path faculty, staff and students welcome July 1, 2014, as the official first day as a University, and as the first women’s university in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“It’s All About U” is the theme for the transition campaign. President Leary is pictured here at this momentous occasion with faculty, staff and students.

2015

logo with words diversity and inclusion at bay path With the full commitment of the Board of Trustees, a campus-wide Diversity and Inclusion initiative is created, promoting a culture of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Chronicle of Higher Education: Almanac of Higher Education 2015 lists Bay Path as one of the top 20 fastest-growing private baccalaureate institutions (rank #8) in the United States.

photo of Bay Path students taking a selfie with President Carol Leary
The incredible growth at Bay Path on all levels—including first-generation students and diversity—is reflected in the faces of these students.

The 58,000-square-foot Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center is dedicated in January 2015. It is the first free-standing academic facility built by Bay Path since 1963, and includes state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and study areas, while allowing for future academic program expansion. Developed to be a “total campus experience,” the 11-acre site features a full-scale model apartment, wellness room, self-service kitchen and café, collaborative group spaces and lounges, hi-tech building security system, and ample parking.

Bay Path celebrates the opening of the Ryan Health Science Center, making it possible for the University to expand current and create new academic programs in the School of Education, Human & Health Sciences. Pictured above, to President Leary’s right, is Philip H. Ryan, benefactor and former Trustee; to President Leary’s left is former Chair of the Board of Trustees George C. Keady III; joined by students and members of the executive staff, Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, Provost, to Philip Ryan’s right, and Michael Giampietro, Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services, to George Keady’s left.

2016

cover of Dr. Carol Leary's book Achieving the DreamPresident Leary’s book Achieving the Dream: A How-to Guide for Adult Women Seeking a College Degree, a step-by-step guide for adult women returning to college, is published.

The Strategic Alliances division at Bay Path University is established to further diversify the ways in which the University serves lifelong learning by offering employers, employees, and students customized leadership development programs online, in-person, or blended, as well as online professional certifications and recertifications.

2017

The 100% online Occupational Therapy Doctorate is the first doctoral degree offered by Bay Path.

It is a proud moment in the University’s history when the first graduates from the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program receive their degrees. They are pictured here with President Leary and Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, Provost, to President Leary’s right.

Bay Path University is on the leading edge for cybersecurity education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and one of the first in the country to launch an MS in Cybersecurity Management. In 2018, Bay Path’s cybersecurity programs received a $250,000 grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, one of three in the Commonwealth, to improve and
widen the pipeline to attract talent to the profession.

Bay Path presents its 5th annual Cybersecurity Summit, building on the University’s expertise in cybersecurity education and featuring President Leary as a panelist.

2019

Bay Path University is awarded a $2.25 million Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education through its Strengthening Institutions Program, one of 64 higher ed institutions in America. The grant is designed to help higher education institutions expand their capacity to serve at-risk students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the quality of academic programs, institutional operations, and fiscal stability.

Bay Path University graduates the largest class in its history, with 1,050 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students receiving their degrees before a standing-room-only crowd of over 5,000 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA.

photo of faculty and graduates during Commencement 2019

Bay Path University is awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Strada Education Network for a three-year project titled “Closing the Gaps: Building Pathways for Adult Women in a Technology-Driven Workforce.” The grant is implemented through Bay Path’s American Women’s College to prepare adult women to enter the cybersecurity and information technology workforce.

2020

photo of the entrance to Leary Hall located on the Longmeadow CampusThe Board of Trustees, students, faculty, staff, and alumni recognize the contributions and 25-year legacy of President Carol A. Leary and in her honor rename Deepwood Hall to Leary Hall.