Bryant Archway

Our Foundation

Bryant’s roots can be traced to 1863 in Providence, Rhode Island. The next landmark move came in 1967 when Earl Tupper gifted his farmland to Bryant, and the institution moved to Smithfield. And now, with the generous building donation from neighboring Fidelity Investments, the University is expanding and embarking on a new era. 

While Vision 2030 positions the university for its “3.0” phase, history proves that Bryant has always been a place of excellence and innovation. 

 

1863: Founded

Bryant welcomed veterans into a fast-track program allowing them to quickly begin working and building their new lives. 

 

1930: Focusing on Business Education 

“It is a college education as thorough and scholarly as that afforded by the older-type classical college in its field, but the curriculum is especially planned to satisfy the practical and exacting demands of business.” 

 

1971: A New Campus  

Bryant moved to a 220-acre estate in Smithfield, donated by Earl Tupper, president of the Tupperware Corporation. 

 

2004: College to University  

Bryant College became Bryant University and adopted its now signature integrated curriculum approach. 

 

2012: Division I Athletics  

Bryant is reclassified as NCAA Division I. 

 

2030: Rising to the Top  

As we look to the future, Bryant is poised to attain the next level of accomplishment and recognition.