Medgar Evers College: History in Documents and Images

Located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Medgar Evers College is a growing institution that offers both Associate and Baccalaureate degrees. A senior college within The City University of New York (CUNY) system, Medgar Evers College was established in 1970 with a mandate to meet the educational and social needs of the Central Brooklyn community. With a commitment to students who desire a sound academic foundation as well as an opportunity for personal development, Medgar Evers College seeks to provide high-quality, professional, career-oriented undergraduate degree programs in the context of a liberal arts education.

BRIEF TIMELINE OF MEC HISTORY

February 1, 1968. The Board of Higher Education adopts several resolutions on a new community College Number Seven

March 3, 1970. The first president, Dr. Richard D. Trent begins his tenure

September 28, 1970. The College is established as a senior college and named after Medgar Evers

September 19, 1971. The opening day of classes for the City University’s new Medgar Evers College

June 5, 1973. The first full commencement exercise of its two-year existence at the Brooklyn Academy of Music

February 1976. In the 1975-1976 fiscal crisis Medgar Evers College is restructured as a community college with specific authorization to retain its six baccalaureate degree programs

March 16, 1984. A groundbreaking ceremony is held to celebrate the beginning of construction for the Bedford building. It is dedicated on March 21, 1985 and opened in 1988

September 1989. Dr. Edison O. Jackson is named as President

June 6, 1992. Crown Street between Nostrand and Franklin Avenues is officially renamed Medgar Evers Lane

July 1, 1994. After years of struggle, MEC wins back its original 4-year senior college status

June 4, 2004. A ground breaking ceremony for Academic and Student Support Services Buildings is held