Established in 1853 Arcadia University boasts a rich history. It began as the Beaver Female Seminary in Western Pennsylvania. Two young women Sylvania Jones and Juliet A. Poundstone left their homes to pursue education there. Dr Sheridan Baker principal of their previous school joined them. He led the seminary teaching liberal arts. Few colleges existed for women at that time. The seminary achieved collegiate status in 1872 becoming Beaver College and Musical Institute.
Later in the late 19th century Beaver College became coeducational for a short time. It then returned to being a women’s college. In 1925 a significant move happened. The college relocated east to Jenkintown Pennsylvania. This provided larger facilities and a better campus. Growth followed but the advantages of a small college were maintained. In 1928 the college secured a stunning location in Glenside Pennsylvania. This new campus included the iconic Grey Towers Castle.
Professor Benton Spruance played a key role in Arcadia’s history. He was a full professor and chair of the Art Department. He also served on the Board of Trustees and the Philadelphia Art Commission. His work contributed to a city ordinance. This ordinance required that one percent of new public building construction costs be allocated to art. This “percent for the arts” became a cornerstone of public art funding in the United States.
Beaver College also pioneered study abroad programs. In the summer of 1948 a group including a professor his wife and 17 students traveled to post-World War II Europe. This early program laid the groundwork for Arcadia’s renowned international study programs. Arcadia remains a leader in study abroad opportunities. Beaver College built eight new buildings. They established the Center for Education Abroad. They became coeducational again in 1973. The institution consolidated all its campuses in Glenside in the mid-1960s.
Dr Bette Landman became president in 1985. She was the first female president in the institution’s history. Her tenure saw the dedication of the Kuch Athletic and Recreation Center. It also saw Beaver College join the NCAA Division III and the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. Under her leadership Beaver College achieved university status. The transition to Arcadia University followed.
On November 20 2000 the announcement came. Beaver College would become Arcadia University. The official name change happened on July 16 2001. In the 21st century the university established six colleges and schools. The College of Global Studies was the first college dedicated to international education. In July 2022 the university expanded again buying the former Bishop McDevitt High School. Arcadia University continues to thrive as a leading institution of higher learning. Its legacy is built on a history of innovation and global engagement.