Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University, founded in 1889, is a member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. The University is shaped by its normal school heritage and characterized by its commitment to intellectual development, leadership and civic responsibility. SRU provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that will help them succeed in their lives, professional careers and be engaged citizens.

Slippery Rock University opened its doors on March 26, 1889 as Slippery Rock State Normal School. Its first president was James E. Morrow, grandfather of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and the enrollment for the first session was 168 students. Limited to a singular mission in teacher education, the normal school over the years fulfilled its mandate well, graduating thousands of students to staff the public schools in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. 

In 1926, the institution was purchased by the Commonwealth, became a four-year teachers college, and continued the tradition of teacher training. While the curricular preparations were in elementary education and in a number of secondary education subjects, the area of academic focus which was assigned at that time by the Pennsylvania Department of Education was in health and physical education. And it was in that concentration that the institution soon achieved a national reputation for excellence.

The fundamental educational mission of Slippery Rock University (SRU) is to transform the intellectual, social, physical, and leadership capacities of students in order to prepare them for life and career success. Complementary missions are to engage in scholarly activity and professional service.

SRU is committed to serving a diverse student body and empowering anyone regionally, nationally, and internationally who can benefit from its programs and lifelong learning opportunities. Thereby SRU addresses the educationally-related economic, health, environmental, social, cultural, and recreational needs of the communities served by the university.