Browse Exhibits (1 total)

Bronx Community College was established in 1957 after a decade of effort by civic-minded groups in Bronx County to meet the growing need for increased higher education facilities in the “Borough of Universities and Progress.” Classes began with 125 students on February 2, 1959, at the former site of the Bronx High School of Science at Creston Avenue and 184th Street.

With Dr. Morris Meister as its first president, the College soon developed into a much-acclaimed comprehensive community college offering a broad range of academic programs. Dr. James A. Colston became the second president of Bronx Community College on August 1, 1966, following Dr. Meister’s retirement. For the next decade, the College grew dramatically, spurred in 1970 by the introduction of open admissions.

By 1972, the College was occupying seven additional centers within walking distance of the main building and serving approximately 14,000 matriculated students. In 1973, the New York State Dormitory Authority acquired the New York University Heights Campus for the use of Bronx Community College. Beginning with the fall 1973 semester, operations were moved to the present 43-acre site overlooking the Harlem River.