The doors of what is now called College Hall opened on September 15, 1908, so we will soon bring to a close the 100th year of this institution and begin our second century.  Although the institution has grown and developed to the point that it would be all but unrecognizable to an observer from those early days, the spirit, determination and vision that has guided it through the years remains unchanged.

From the New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair to Montclair State Teachers College to Montclair State College to Montclair State University, this institution consistently and determinedly has pursued a mission of educational excellence and innovation and a commitment to give every possible opportunity to talented and ambitious students to achieve the quality education that will enable them to excel in their chosen professions.

Throughout our history, we have remained true to the first defining principles of this institution, that good teaching matters and that students, whatever their professional goals, should receive a rich education in the liberal arts and sciences. Montclair State’s commitment to quality and intellectual rigor and our profound belief in the purposes of education in a democracy has remained unchanged for a century.

Now we must set our sights on the future and, while firmly holding onto the principles, philosophy, and beliefs that have guided the institution for the past century, we must set a clear course for the next.  As our centennial year concludes, we will focus our attention and efforts on developing a new strategic plan for the next ten years.

As we undertake that work, our eyes must be on our vision of the University we want our successors to find when they stand here 100 years from today celebrating our bicentennial.  We must do what our worthy predecessors did: always hold before us the possibilities of what we can achieve, do the best we can, and thereby build a legacy of excellence for the future.

Carpe futura.

Susan A. Cole, President