Stevenson University

History of the University

Since our humble inception in the late 1940's, Stevenson University has continually evolved to meet the needs of our students - gradually expanding both our physical presence and academic offerings. Below, you will find a sampling of SU's rich history.

1947... Villa Julie College is founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at "Seven Oaks," an 80-acre estate in Greenspring Valley, formerly the home of the George Carrell Jenkins family. The College opens its doors on October 1st, specializing in medical-secretarial training.

Seven Oaks' Julie Billiart Hall, as featured in the property's sale flyer.

1954... Official approval as a two-year college is granted by the Maryland State Department of Education. In that same year, a new classroom facility, Founder's Hall, is opened.

1965... The College receives Maryland state approval for a child development program, and for transfer programs in the arts and sciences, as well as teacher education. Shortly thereafter, the College is granted an "A" rating for transferability of credits by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

Villa Julie’s 1954 accreditation as a Junior College capped several years of planning and preparation.

1967... Villa Julie becomes an independent institution, separating from the Catholic Church. Control is vested in a newly formed Board of Trustees comprised of business, civic, and professional leaders.

1971... In response to increasing enrollment, the College erects a multi-million dollar complex consisting of an art wing, learning resource center, and student center. Evening and summer sessions are inaugurated this same year.

Kitty Lynch, Elaine Lucas and Mary Ellen Jones work on an accounting issue, 1959.

1972... In this year, Villa Julie becomes co-educational, admitting its first full-time male student.

1984... Villa Julie becomes a four-year college, offering a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems. Later, a degree in Paralegal Studies is added. The College continues to offer a two-year program leading to associate's degrees for all available majors.

A solid grounding in science was a prerequisite for many of the careers sought by Villa Julie students in the late 1980s.

1985... Again, in response to increasing student interest, the College constructs a new three-story laboratory building.

1986... The concept of career education combined with the liberal arts becomes a hallmark of Villa Julie's philosophy, "Pro Discendo, Pro Vivendo": for living and for learning.

Carol Grabowski of VJC’s paralegal program, interning at a law firm. Word processing technologies were rapidly transforming legal office practice in the 1980s, and VJC students stayed on the leading edge of change.

1990... The College designs and installs a sophisticated computer network, enabling students and faculty to access software and library resources from any building on campus.

1993... Cuvilly Hall is fully renovated and becomes "The Student Faculty Exchange." Containing an upscale cafe, a spacious reading room, and faculty offices, the Exchange provides an area for students and faculty to meet on an informal basis. Off-campus apartments are opened a short short distance from the College this same year.

The College’s lacrosse team quickly reached high levels of competitiveness, becoming a respected NCAA Division III contender.

1994... Villa Julie's athletic programs are accepted into NCAA Division III.

1995... Construction of an academic center, theatre, student union, gymnasium, and science center begin as the first phase of the College's master plan for the campus.

1996... The Maryland State Department of Education grants approval for programs designed to prepare elementary and early childhood teachers. That same year, the College receives the endorsement of the Maryland Higher Education Commission for a Master of Science degree in Advanced Information Technologies.

Kevin Manning, Ph.D., brought new energy to Villa Julie’s educational mission in 2000 when he began his tenure as the College’s fourth President.

1997... The Academic Center and Inscape Theatre open in August, while the Student Union and gymnasium open in November.

1998... A new Science Center opens with top-notch research facilities and equipment.

2000... Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D., assumes his role as Villa Julie’s fourth president.

2003... The Academic Link, the College's unique academic assistance center, reopens after undergoing extensive renovations, including the addition of quiet rooms for students to take tests, space for student tutors, and an expanded computer area.

Baltimore County Executive James Smith, Maryland Secretary of Budget and Management James C. “Chip” DiPaula, Jr., Board of Trustees Chair Charles E. “Ted” Herget, Jr., and President Manning “break ground” on a new residence hall project at the Owings Mills campus, 2004.

2004... Villa Julie opens its first ever College-owned housing complex. The garden apartments and community center surround a quad perfect for campus activities.

2005... Villa Julie opens the first of three planned suite-style residence buildings that accommodate between three and four students in a mixture of single and double bedrooms. The College names the residence buildings and community center after historical sites in Baltimore County, such as the Avalon Inn and various valleys, including Cromwell Valley and Worthington Valley.

The Rockland Center provides dining facilities for both residential and commuter students as well as faculty and staff. The second floor houses Student Life offices and a banquet room for campus and community events.

2006... The College opens Rockland Center (dining and student center) and the Caves Sports and Wellness Center in the fall. At Stevenson, renovations on the Exchange create new space for the music program. The expanded Nursing Skills Lab offers a new home for SimMan, a life-like manikin designed to develop the clinical skills of nursing students.

2007...  Villa Julie marks its 60th anniversary with the first annual Founder's Day Celebration on October 1, 2007. The first complete history of the College, A Vision and a Promise: Villa Julie College, is published. Construction begins on the School of Business.

Construction of the School of Business marks a solid dedication to business, leadership, and entrepreneurial programs at Stevenson University

2008… On June 11th of this year, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name of Villa Julie College to Stevenson University.

The name Stevenson University was chosen for its perceptions of tradition, history, and academic quality—three hallmarks of the Villa Julie spirit. The name also maintains a geographical connection to the founding location of Villa Julie—Stevenson, Maryland. The Villa Julie name endures as the Villa Julie College of Arts and Sciences at the Stevenson campus.

2008... With doors opening to students this year, the new School of Business will join the School of Graduate & Professional Studies as the first two schools within Stevenson University. The 60,000-square-foot School of Business building will house the Divisions of Business & Legal Studies and Information Technology, and offer the latest in classroom technology.

The Future... The future holds some exciting changes for each of the University’s campuses. On the Owings Mills campus, expansion plans include a premier gymnasium and an additional suite-style residence hall, which will boost residential capacity to around 1,600 students. The original campus in Stevenson will become home to the Villa Julie College of Arts and Sciences, with renovations planned to improve and expand the University’s academic facilities.

     

 

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