History of Bryant University in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 15, 2025

Bryant University is a private university located in Smithfield, Rhode Island. It comprises three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Business. The university holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education, demonstrating its commitment to academic standards.

1916: School Sold After Stowell's Death

In 1916, after the death of Thomas Stowell, the Providence branch of Bryant & Stratton was sold and merged with Henry Jacobs' Rhode Island Commercial School.

August 1, 1935: Bryant College Relocated to College Hill

On August 1, 1935, Bryant College of Business Administration relocated to College Hill near Brown University.

1949: Bryant College Became Non-Profit

In 1949, Bryant College transitioned to a non-profit institution.

October 1967: Earl S. Tupper Donated Land for New Campus

In October 1967, Earl S. Tupper donated his 428-acre estate to Bryant College, leading to the creation of a new campus.

1967: Earl Tupper Gifted Farmland

In 1967, Earl Tupper gifted his farmland to create Bryant's Smithfield campus.

1969: First Master's Program Offered

In 1969, Bryant College introduced its first master's program.

1971: Bryant College Moved to New Campus

In 1971, Bryant College officially moved to its new campus.

1971: Bryant College Sold Providence Campus to Brown University

In 1971, Bryant College sold its Providence campus to Brown University upon relocating to Smithfield.

1972: Salmanson Awarded Honorary Degree

In 1972, Bryant awarded Leonard I. Salmanson an honorary degree of Doctor of Science of Business Administration.

1973: Salmanson Dining Hall Named

In 1973, Salmanson Dining Hall, inside the Unistructure, was named after Leonard I. Salmanson.

1974: Salmanson Became Bryant Trustee

In 1974, Leonard I. Salmanson became a Bryant trustee.

1996: Ronald K. Machtley Hired as President

In 1996, Ronald K. Machtley was hired as president of Bryant College and began implementing improvements to the campus and curriculum.

2004: Bryant College Changed Name to Bryant University

In 2004, Bryant College officially changed its name to Bryant University.

2007: University Endowment Reached $171 Million

In 2007, Bryant University's endowment reached $171 million, a significant increase over the previous decade.

February 28, 2008: Bill Clinton Campaigned at Bryant University

On Thursday, February 28, 2008, former U.S. President Bill Clinton campaigned at Bryant University in support of Hillary Clinton's presidential bid.

May 17, 2008: George H. W. Bush Gave Commencement Address

On May 17, 2008, former U.S. President George H. W. Bush gave the commencement address at Bryant University and received an honorary degree.

2009: Interfaith Center Opened

In 2009, the Interfaith Center opened at Bryant University, replacing the previous chapel.

October 9, 2010: Interfaith Center Dedicated to Ronald K. Machtley

On October 9, 2010, the Interfaith Center was dedicated in honor of President Ronald K. Machtley and his wife Kati C. Machtley.

2010: Students Arrested for Possession of Marijuana

In 2010, Smithfield Police arrested 34 Bryant students for possession of marijuana.

2010: Interfaith Center Received Design Awards

In 2010, the Interfaith Center received design awards for its architecture and use of sustainable materials.

2011: Ranked on "Druggiest Colleges" List

In 2011, The Daily Beast listed Bryant at number 4 on its list of 'druggiest colleges'.

September 2013: Bryant Center Renamed Fisher Student Center

In September 2013, the Bryant Center was renamed the Fisher Student Center.

2022: BELC Donated to Bryant University

In 2022, Fidelity Investments donated the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC) to Bryant University.

2022: Ranked in U.S. News & World Report

In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report College Rankings, Bryant was ranked #7 in the Regional-North group.

2023: Greek Life Participation

As of 2023, approximately 7% of male undergraduates and 13% of female undergraduates participate in Greek life at Bryant University.

2023: Guaranteed Housing for Four Years

As of Fall 2023, Bryant residence life guarantees housing for all four years.

2030: Target Year for Vision 2030 Initiative

2030 is the target year for Bryant University's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to grow the student body.

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