From a small college to a regional university: the evolution of DeSales University

Science · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1964 by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, this Pennsylvania institution began as a modest college before achieving university status in 2000. Today, it balances traditional liberal arts with specialized professional programs, maintaining a small-campus feel while supporting a diverse range of graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Originally established as Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales, the institution was born from a 1962 request by Bishop Joseph McShea. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania granted its charter in 1964, and the first freshmen arrived in 1965. The school achieved full accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools by the 1969–1970 academic year and became co-educational shortly thereafter in 1970.

The institution underwent significant expansion in the late 20th century, introducing nursing and management master's degrees in the 1980s. By 1991, it launched an MBA program that eventually became the second-largest in Pennsylvania. In 2000, the Pennsylvania Department of Education officially recognized the institution as a university, prompting its rebranding to DeSales University. This era also saw the creation of the Salesian Center for Faith and Culture, the school's first research and development hub.

Today, the university operates across six academic divisions, including healthcare, business, and the liberal arts. Its campus in Upper Saucon Township spans over 400 acres, housing specialized facilities like the Hurd Science Center and the Labuda Center for performing arts. The university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, with over half of its classes capped at fewer than 20 students, reflecting a commitment to personalized instruction despite its growth.

Beyond academics, the university integrates community service into its mission, notably through a student-run free clinic at the Allentown Rescue Mission. It also serves as a cultural hub, hosting the annual Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. With its 2026 U.S. News & World Report ranking as a national university, DeSales continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its original Catholic identity.

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