Marist College to Become Marist University 

University designation reflects breadth of global opportunities and bold vision for Marist's next century 

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (December 11, 2024) - To better reflect the comprehensive, global institution of higher education it has become, Marist College will become Marist University effective Jan. 29, 2025.  

"Marist has achieved remarkable success over the past several decades, transforming from a small regional college into a nationally and internationally renowned leader in higher education," President Dr. Kevin C. Weinman said. "Marist University better describes the breadth of opportunities we offer to students today and the vision we have for Marist's next century."  

This transition signals Marist's continued momentum as it nears its centennial in 2029 and follows a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees in support and subsequent approval of university designation from the New York State Board of Regents.  

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Marist has long combined the resources of a large university with the personal attention of a small college, creating a unique and rich residential learning experience. As the institution continues to rise in stature and appeal, the name change will help introduce Marist to an even wider audience and further enhance the learning environment. 

"Our founding values and distinctive strengths will continue to shape our future as we define what university means to us, one aspiring to new heights while preserving the intimate, student-focused elements of a college," Dr. Weinman said.  

The Power of a University  

Since its founding in 1929, Marist has grown into an expansive global institution, now educating over 5,000 undergraduates and nearly 1,000 graduate students across its main campus in Poughkeepsie, branch campus in Florence, Italy, and through a variety of online graduate programs.  

This has powered Marist's signature educational approach, which is grounded in the principle of "and, not or." For example:  

• Students explore a wide-ranging curriculum, blending liberal arts and strong pre-professional programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.  
• With 23 Division I athletic teams, Marist student-athletes hold the most all-time conference titles and have led in academic honor roll selections for 23 consecutive years in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.  
• Students benefit from extensive research and experiential learning opportunities in and out of the classroom, such as the nationally ranked Marist Poll, the Center for Sports Communication, and the IBM Joint Study Program.  
• Marist's study abroad programs are ranked No. 1 among peer institutions by a 2024 U.S. Department of State-sponsored report, reflecting a commitment to bring Marist to the world and the world to Marist.  

"I'm inspired about our future because Marist University will continue to dream big, while always feeling small," said Dr. Weinman. "This has long been one of Marist's greatest strengths, occupying a sweet spot exemplified by small classes taught by faculty who are both mentors and educators, and a community that thrives on mutual care and respect."   

Attracting International, Graduate, and Faculty Talent   

The shift to Marist University also will enhance the institution's global appeal, clearly articulating Marist’s identity to international students and student-athletes, and strengthening its ability to attract top faculty from around the world.  

"As we expand our global reach, the name Marist University provides important clarity to prospective international students, who typically associate the word 'college' with secondary education, while also highlighting the strength of our graduate programs," said Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat, Provost and Dean of Faculty. "University designation will ensure every person fully appreciates the range of our degree and certificate programs, along with the rich array of academic and co-curricular experiences we offer our students."  

January Transition   

The decision comes after an extensive assessment of insights and input from Marist's entire community - students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Trustees - as well as prospective students and their families, and secondary school counselors worldwide.    

Tony Lorello '86, President of the Marist Alumni Association, ex officio member of the Board of Trustees, and a proud Marist parent, described the university transition as an exciting time for the institution.   

"To me, becoming Marist University gives us the best of both worlds: preserving the personal attention of the college we all grew up with over the last 95 years while signaling the depth of opportunities and leadership role Marist can play as a global university," he said.   

A community-wide celebration and unveiling of a new storytelling campaign to reflect Marist's elevated profile is planned for Jan. 29 when students return for the spring semester, at which time Marist will officially become Marist University.