College History
1945
State of NH Chapter 204 establishes 鈥淪tate Trade Schools鈥� with the passage of House Bill 279. State Trade School of Portsmouth was founded within state college system to provide 鈥渢rade and vocational training and retraining for the occupational adjustment of youths and adults and particularly to provide trade school facilities for veterans demobilized from the armed services鈥t is recognized that no such facilities are available within the state at the present time, that the need is sufficiently urgent to create an emergency and that prompt action is necessary.鈥�
On July 17, the City of Portsmouth makes space available for rent within the Morley Button Factory. Classes started in the fall – making this the first operating school in the system. The first class consisted of 130 veterans of war. Tuition was$450 a year, and students could get scholarships for half that amount from the state. Emerson A. McCourt is appointed the first Principal.
1949
The college becomes the New Hampshire Technical Institute 鈥� Portsmouth. The college had 9 Instructors and 5 Fields of Study: Machine Tool, Sheet Metal, Auto Mechanics, Electronics and Refrigeration.
1961
Exeter School of Practical Nursing Started at Exeter Hospital. In 1966, upon completion of the Portsmouth Campus, the Nursing Program became a college offering. The college becomes the New Hampshire Vocational Technical Institute 鈥� Portsmouth.
1966
The college moves from the Button Factory to a new building at 150 Greenleaf Avenue in Portsmouth. Dedication Ceremonies and Open House are held Wednesday, October 26, 1966. The college has an increase in enrollment and staff. Evening classes are offered. The Nursing and Drafting Programs move into the building as the Refrigeration and Sheet Metal programs are moved out.
1967
Emerson A. McCourt is appointed the first Director of the College. The Board of Education authorized the institutes to grant the Associate Degree in Applied Science. Prior to this, graduates earned a diploma from their program.
1969
The college becomes the New Hampshire Vocati