The 157-year evolution of Salem State University reflects the growth of its mission to provide a high-quality, student-centered public education to those who will become the next generation’s leaders. As the university has grown, so, too, has its mission; critical components of its goal today are to serve as a resource to advance the region’s cultural, social and economic development and to prepare a diverse community of learners to contribute responsibly and creatively to our global society. From its beginnings as a small teaching college for women to the large, diverse and comprehensive academic institution it is today, Salem State—while remaining true to the values of its founders—continues to seek a forward path, adapting to society’s changing needs while ensuring the intellectual and material well-being of the North Shore region of Massachusetts and beyond.