Anna Maria College
Catholic college in Paxton, Massachusetts, US
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Anna Maria College is a private Catholic college in Paxton, Massachusetts, United States. It was founded in 1946 as a women's college, but has been coeducational since 1973. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees but will close at the end of the spring 2026 semester.
| |
| Motto | Lux et Veritas |
|---|---|
Motto in English | Light and Truth |
| Type | Private college |
| Established | September 17, 1946 |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
Religious affiliation | Roman Catholic (Sisters of Saint Anne) |
Academic affiliation | HECCMA |
| Endowment | $7.2 million (2022)[1] |
| President | Sean J. Ryan[2] |
Academic staff | 42 full-time 145 part-time[3] |
| Undergraduates | 1,104 (2019) |
| Postgraduates | 333 (2019) |
| Location | , Massachusetts , United States 42.3294°N 71.9194°W |
| Campus | Rural, 190 acres |
| Colors | Cardinal and white |
| Nickname | Amcats |
Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division III MASCAC |
| Website | annamaria.edu |
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History
Anna Maria College was founded in 1946 as a women's college by the Sisters of Saint Anne, after receiving formal approval from Richard Cushing, the Archbishop of Boston. The original campus was in Marlborough, Massachusetts. In 1951, the college moved to its present location in Paxton.[4] Four years later, accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges was issued.
In 1973, Anna Maria College became coeducational and began graduate degree programs a year later.[5] On April 3, 1980, the Sisters of Saint Anne ceased involvement in running the school, and a Board of Trustees was established.
In 2004, the college established the Molly Bish Center for the Protection of Children and the Elderly.[6]
On April 23, 2026, college leaders announced that the college would cease operations after the spring 2026 semester. They cited ongoing financial challenges as the primary reason for closing the college.[7] Transfer pathway agreements were arranged with Worcester State University, Regis College, Springfield College, Bay Path University, American International College, Fitchburg State University, Elms College, New England College, Rivier University, Albertus Magnus College, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, allowing students in good standing to transfer seamlessly to the aforementioned schools.
Upon the college’s permenant closure on May 10, 2026, the day after commencement for the class of 2026 is complete, school records and transcripts will be held by Regis College in Weston.
Academics
Anna Maria College has an average annual enrollment of around 1,500 students, mostly undergraduate and graduate students, and some continuing education learners.[8] Rooted in the traditions of Catholic education, the college combines liberal arts and sciences education with career preparation.
The college is divided into four academic schools: the School of Business, School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the School of Professional Studies.[9]
Athletics
Anna Maria College has thirteen Division III athletic teams, known as the AMCATS (Anna Maria College Athletic Team Sports), in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), including men's baseball, basketball, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and soccer; and women's basketball, ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball. The school is the first private college to be invited for core member status in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC).[10]
Notable faculty
- Craig Blais (English)
- Mark Eshbaugh (art)
- Thomas Lewis (art)
- Brian Mitchell (history)
Notable alumni
- Geraldo Alicea, politician
- Catherine Cool Rumsey, politician
- Ed Davis, law enforcement officer
- Brendan Doherty, law enforcement officer
- Shawn Dooley, politician
- James J. Dwyer, politician
- William B. Evans, law enforcement officer
- Raymond Hull, politician
- Brian Patrick Kennedy, politician
- Frederica Williams, healthcare executive
- Steven Xiarhos, politician
