FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

[photo, Old Main Building, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland] In 1898, Frostburg State University was founded as Maryland Normal School no. 2 under the State Board of Education. "Normal" came from the French ecole normale, and the Prussian normal schools that influenced American educators to establish norms or standards for the training of teachers. The School first opened in 1902, offering a two-year program to train elementary school teachers. In 1931, teacher training expanded to a three-year program, and in 1934 to four-years.

Old Main Building, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland, October 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

In 1935, Maryland Normal School no. 2 was renamed State Teachers College at Frostburg. By 1946, the College offered a liberal arts junior college program until 1960 when the College was authorized to confer the bachelor of arts degee and the master's degree in education. Thereafter, it became Frostburg State College in July 1963 and was placed under the Board of Trustees of State Colleges (Chapter 41, Acts of 1963). On July 7, 1987, the College became Frostburg State University. The University was made part of the University of Maryland System in 1988 (Chapter 246, Acts of 1988). The System was renamed University System of Maryland in 1997 (Chapter 114, Acts of 1997).

Frostburg offers undergraduate and graduate programs of study with an emphasis on arts, humanities, business, applied technologies, education, environmental sciences, human services, and social and behavioral sciences. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, it serves as a regional State university for Western Maryland. The University serves the educational needs of Western Maryland and plays a major role in its economic development. As the premier cultural center for Allegany and Garrett counties, the University attracts thousands of area residents and tourists to programs in its Performing Arts Center.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS DIVISION

The Academic Affairs Division is responsible for three colleges: Business, Education, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. It also oversees the Center for International Education, the Center for Teaching Excellence, and the Lewis J. Ort Library.

LEWIS J. ORT LIBRARY
The Lewis J. Ort Library started in 1902, when the Old Main Building of Maryland Normal School no. 2. housed both classrooms and a library. As the campus expanded, the Library relocated to Lownds Hall and then Frampton Hall. Built in 1976, the present Library was named in 1990 for Allegany County native and philanthropist, Lewis J. Ort (1918-2021).

Library collections and resources support academic programs and information literacy throughout the University.

Within the Library are nine departments: Access, Services, and Resource Sharing; Acquisitions, Continuing Resources and eResources Management; Administration; Beall Archives; Dr. David M. Gillespie Special Collections; Government Documents; Knowledge Organization and Metadata Services; Media; and Research and Learning.

COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, & SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Lillian C. Compton Science Center, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD 21532 - 2303

[photo, Compton Science Center, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland] In 1999, when the School of Arts and Humanities merged with the School of Natural and Social Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences was formed. By September 2023, the College, was renamed as the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Sciences has nineteen departments and graduate degree programs in Applied Computer Science; Counseling Psychology; Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology; and Wildlife and Fisheries Biology.

Compton Science Center, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland, July 2006. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

[photo, Guild Human Resources Center, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland]

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, ENGINEERING, & COMPUTATIONAL & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

125 Nelson P. Guild Human Resources Center, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD 21532 – 2303

The College of Business started as the School of Business. In 1999, it was renamed the College of Business. By September 2023, the College was reformed as the College of Business, Engineering, and Computational and Mathematical Sciences.

Guild Human Resources Center, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland, October 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Within the College are nine departments: Accounting; Computer Science and Information Technologies; Economics; Engineering; Management; Marketing and Finance; Mathematics; Recreation and Parks Management; and Sustainable Construction Management.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, & HEALTH & NATURAL SCIENCES

The College of Education, and Health and Natural Sciences originated as the School of Education, became the College of Education in 1999, and adopted its present name by 2023.

Under the College are eight departments: Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Educational Professions, Geography, Kinesiology, Nursing, Phsycian Assistant Studies, and Social Work.

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE DIVISION

The Administration and Finance Division is responsible for the University’s budget, managing daily operations, and developing financial plans.

Under the Division are the Facilities Management Department, the University Police Department, and seven offices: Accounts Payable, Budget, Comptroller, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and University and Student Billing.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT DIVISION

In 2019, the Regional Development and Engagement Division originated in the College of Business. It later reformed as a division within the University.

The Division works to expand economic development in the tri-state region of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. For businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local governments in the region, the Division provides access to the University’s business expertise. The Division also works offsite with small business development centers in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties. Through Division programs, University faculty and business leaders offer training classes for small business owners and assistance in applying for traditional financing.

STUDENT AFFAIRS DIVISION

The Student Affairs Division oversees programs and services that support student life on campus.

Within the Division are the University Police Department and two offices: Gender Equality; and Residence Life. Additionally, the Division oversees the Academic Advising and Retention Center; the Career and Professional Development Center; Disability Support Services; the Ort Library; Student Account Services; and the University Bookstore.

UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT DIVISION

The University Advancement Division works with the Frostburg Foundation to raise support and funding for the University. Financial sources include grants, gifts, and naming opportunities for buildings and other campus structures. The Division also coordinates University communications and news media, and supports alumni fundraising events.

Within the Division are six departments: Alumni Programs; Creative Services; Development/FSU Foundation; Marketing and Communications; News and Media Services; and WFWM Public Radio.

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