History of Robert Morris University in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 21, 2025

Robert Morris University (RMU), located in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is a private university established in 1921. Named after Robert Morris, a key figure in financing the American Revolution, RMU provides a range of academic programs. The university enrolls close to 5,000 students and offers a comprehensive curriculum including 60 bachelor's, 35 master's, and doctoral programs.

1921: Pittsburgh School of Accountancy Founded

In 1921, Robert Morris University originated as the Pittsburgh School of Accountancy, founded by Andrew Blass.

1921: University Founding

In 1921, Robert Morris University was founded and named after Robert Morris, the "financier of the American Revolution."

1935: Expansion and Renaming

In 1935, C.W. Salmond oversaw an expansion that added business and secretarial studies, leading to the school being renamed the Robert Morris School of Business.

1942: Move to William Penn Hotel

In 1942, the Robert Morris School moved to the William Penn Hotel to accommodate its growing enrollment.

1959: Purchase of Downtown Building

In 1959, the Robert Morris School purchased its own Downtown building at 600 Fifth Ave.

1962: Purchase of Pine Hill Manor and Farm

In 1962, the school purchased Pine Hill Manor and Farm in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, formerly the home of Oliver Kaufmann. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania then granted the school permission to award associate degrees, and the school became Robert Morris Junior College, operating from two separate campuses.

1963: New Buildings Erected

In 1963, the first new buildings on the Moon Township campus, Franklin Center and three residence halls, were erected.

1969: Robert Morris College Status

In 1969, the school became Robert Morris College when it began offering bachelor's degrees in business administration.

1976: Joined NCAA

In 1976, the Colonials officially joined the NCAA.

1978: First Graduate Students Admitted

In 1978, the first graduate students were admitted for master's degree programs in business administration, taxation, and business teacher education.

1982: First NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 1982, Robert Morris appeared in its first NCAA tournament in men's basketball.

1999: First Doctoral Program Offered

In 1999, the first doctoral program was offered.

2002: University Status Attained

In 2002, the school attained university status and was thus renamed Robert Morris University.

2010: Sale of Downtown Center

In 2010, the university sold its Downtown Center at 600 Fifth Avenue to Duquesne University.

2016: Christopher B. Howard Appointed President

In 2016, Christopher B. Howard became the university's eighth president and the first African-American president in RMU's history.

2017: Establishment of Peirce Center

In 2017, the Peirce family committed $2 million to Robert Morris University to establish the Bob and Joan Peirce Center for Structured Reading Teacher Training.

2018: Student Demographics

In 2018, 16 percent of Robert Morris University freshmen were from outside Pennsylvania.

January 2021: Reed Hastings Scholarship Gift

In January 2021, Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings made a $3 million gift to fund 20 full scholarships for RMU Next Century Scholars pursuing degrees in technology or math.

October 7, 2022: Renaming of School of Business

On October 7, 2022, Robert Morris University announced that the school would be renamed the Rockwell School of Business, resulting from an $18 million gift from the S. Kent Rockwell Foundation and the Kent Rockwell family.