For more than 70 years, a Boyden was at the helm of Bridgewater State.
Albert Boyden led the institution from 1860 to 1906, followed by his son, Arthur. The younger Boyden was in charge until 1933.
Today, the family name graces BSU’s iconic main administration building as a tribute to seven decades of leadership that transformed the campus and laid the foundation for the university students experience today.
Named For
Albert and Arthur Boyden
The Backstory
A native of Walpole and 1849 graduate, Albert Boyden was a schoolteacher and high school principal. At his alma mater, he served as an assistant and, ultimately, the principal, which was then the top position.
As principal, Albert oversaw extensive expansion with new buildings (including the first residence halls) and new science, math, psychology and foreign language courses. Bridgewater also adopted a four-year course of studies as enrollment grew from 67 to 300.
Albert even used personal money to buy land that now holds Scott Hall, Maxwell Library and the Rondileau Student Union. The parcel was once known as Boyden Park.
After retiring in 1906, he worked as a part-time teacher until he died in 1915.
Arthur Boyden, also a Bridgewater graduate, was initially hired as a science teacher and was a well-known advocate for nature education. He taught math and history, served as vice principal, and became principal after his father retired.
At the time, Bridgewater was known as a normal school. In 1932, after being renamed as a teachers’ college, Arthur became the institution’s first president, assuming a title still in use today.
After a 1924 fire destroyed much of the campus, Arthur led the rebuilding effort, including working to keep the institution in the town of Bridgewater. He oversaw the construction of a new building which would later be named Boyden Hall.
Use Today
With its famous white cupola on the roof, Boyden Hall serves as a backdrop for numerous photos marking graduation and other accomplishments. Every spring, the university hangs banners from the building celebrating the graduating class. The hall houses Horace Mann Auditorium, the President’s Office, registrar, numerous other offices, and several classrooms.
Material in this article comes from the biographies of Albert and Arthur Boyden and Not to be Ministered Unto, But to Minister: Bridgewater State University, 1840-2010 by Dr. Thomas R. Turner.