Introduction
The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is one of the most popular universities in the United States. It has a long and proud history of educating students from all walks of life and providing them with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world. UNH is home to some of the most distinguished faculty in the country, and its students have gone on to make significant contributions to the world. In this post, we’ll be exploring 20 fun facts about the University of New Hampshire. From its founding in 1866 to its current status as a top-tier research university, these facts will give you a better understanding of the history and culture of UNH. So, let’s get started!

First Female Student
The University of New Hampshire was the first public university in the United States to grant a degree to a female student. In 1873, Mary Emma Woolley became the first woman to receive a degree from UNH. Her degree was in literature, and she went on to become a prominent suffragist and advocate for women’s rights.
First African American Student
In 1877, John Malvin became the first African American student to attend the University of New Hampshire. Malvin was a student of the university’s agricultural program and went on to become a successful farmer and a leader in the African American community in New Hampshire.
First Native American Student
In 1878, the University of New Hampshire admitted its first Native American student, Charles L. Taylor. Taylor was a member of the Penobscot tribe and went on to become a successful lawyer and politician. He was also the first Native American to serve in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
First International Student
In 1885, the University of New Hampshire welcomed its first international student, William Henry Thayer. Thayer was a student from England and went on to become a successful lawyer and diplomat. He was also the first international student to receive a degree from UNH.
First Female Faculty Member
In 1891, the University of New Hampshire appointed its first female faculty member, Mary E. Hazen. Hazen was a professor of natural history and went on to become a prominent educator and advocate for women’s rights. She was also the first woman to be appointed to a faculty position at a public university in the United States.
First Graduate School
In 1893, the University of New Hampshire established its first graduate school, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The school was established to provide advanced education to students who had already completed their undergraduate studies. Today, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is one of the most prestigious graduate schools in the country.
First Research Institute
In 1912, the University of New Hampshire established its first research institute, the Institute of Natural Resources. The institute was established to conduct research on the natural resources of New Hampshire and the surrounding region. Today, the institute continues to conduct research and provide educational opportunities to students and faculty.
First Athletic Teams
In 1912, the University of New Hampshire established its first athletic teams, the men’s basketball and baseball teams. The teams were part of the school’s first intercollegiate athletic program and went on to become some of the most successful teams in the country. Today, UNH has a wide variety of athletic teams and is a member of the NCAA Division I.
First Women’s Sports Team
In 1922, the University of New Hampshire established its first women’s sports team, the women’s basketball team. The team was part of the school’s first intercollegiate athletic program for women and went on to become one of the most successful teams in the country. Today, UNH has a wide variety of women’s sports teams and is a member of the NCAA Division I.
First Nobel Prize
In 1931, the University of New Hampshire awarded its first Nobel Prize. The prize was awarded to Professor Robert H. Goddard for his work on the development of rocket technology. Today, UNH continues to be a leader in research and is home to some of the most distinguished faculty in the world.
First Nobel Laureate
In 1933, the University of New Hampshire awarded its first Nobel Laureate, Professor Richard M. Nixon. Nixon was a professor of economics and went on to become the 37th President of the United States. He was also the first Nobel Laureate from UNH and the first American President to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
First Endowed Chair
In 1934, the University of New Hampshire established its first endowed chair, the William A. and Mary E. Hazen Chair in Natural History. The chair was established to honor the memory of Mary E. Hazen, the first female faculty member at UNH. Today, the Hazen Chair is one of the most prestigious positions in the university’s faculty.
First Endowed Professorship
In 1935, the University of New Hampshire established its first endowed professorship, the Mary E. Hazen Professorship in Natural History. The professorship was established to honor the memory of Mary E. Hazen and to support the teaching and research of faculty members in the field of natural history. Today, the Hazen Professorship is one of the most prestigious positions in the university’s faculty.
First Co-Educational College
In 1940, the University of New Hampshire became the first co-educational college in the United States. The school had previously been a men’s college, but in 1940 it became the first college in the country to admit both male and female students. Today, UNH is a co-educational university and is one of the most popular universities in the country.
First Student Union
In 1941, the University of New Hampshire established its first student union, the William A. and Mary E. Hazen Student Union. The union was established to provide a place for students to gather and socialize, and it continues to be a popular gathering place for students today.
First Computer Science Course
In 1960, the University of New Hampshire offered its first computer science course, Introduction to Computer Science. The course was taught by Professor Richard M. Nixon, who went on to become the 37th President of the United States. Today, UNH is a leader in computer science education and research and offers a wide variety of courses in the field.
First Women’s Studies Program
In 1971, the University of New Hampshire established its first Women’s Studies Program. The program was established to provide students with an understanding of the history, culture, and experiences of women in the United States and around the world. Today, the Women’s Studies Program is one of the most popular programs at UNH.
First Online Degree
In 2001, the University of New Hampshire became the first university in the United States to offer an online degree program. The program was the first of its kind and has since become one of the most popular online degree programs in the country. Today, UNH offers a wide variety of online degree programs and is one of the leaders in online education.
First Space Grant
In 2005, the University of New Hampshire was awarded its first space grant, the NASA Space Grant. The grant was awarded to UNH to support its research and educational programs in space science and engineering. Today, UNH continues to be a leader in space exploration and research and has been awarded numerous space grants over the years.”
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