Wikipedia

The university began its existence in 1893 as a preparatory school for teachers called the East Stroudsburg Normal School, which was private. Ownership was transferred to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1920, and the name was changed to East Stroudsburg State Normal School. In 1927, the right to confer the degrees of Bachelor of Science in education and Bachelor of Science in health education was granted, and the school's name then became the East Stroudsburg State Teachers College. In 1960, additional curricula were added and the school's name then became East Stroudsburg State College. The State System of Higher Education was authorized by Senate Bill 506 to assume its current name in 1983.

East Stroudsburg University is situated in the borough of East Stroudsburg, located in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The university is 45 minutes southeast of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and 40 minutes north of Allentown. The New Jersey border is only 2 miles away and the campus is approximately 70 miles from New York City and 90 miles from Philadelphia. The neighboring borough of Stroudsburg is the seat and cultural center of Monroe County. ESU is easily accessible from Interstate 80, U.S. Route 209, and PA Route 33. Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono, the area's primary medical facility, is located on the edge of the campus.

The 62 campus buildings are located on 213 acres in the East Stroudsburg community. In addition to the academic facilities, 7 residence halls (housing 2,200 students), and a 1,000-seat dining hall are located on campus. The Student Activity Association, Inc., owns Stony Acres, a 119-acre off-campus student recreation area near Marshalls Creek, that includes a lodge, several cabins, a campsite, recreation areas and a lake. The campus is patrolled by the East Stroudsburg University Police Department.

Notable Alumni

• Charlie Brenneman, professional Mixed Martial Artist, formerly for UFC's Lightweight Division
• Rudy Cerami, AFL defensive lineman
• James Franklin, head football coach, Pennsylvania State University
• Jim Connors, Mayor of Scranton from 1990 to 2002
• Nastasia Scott, contestant on America's Next Top Model, Cycle 19
• Jim Saxton, U.S. Representative (R), New Jersey
• Ken Parrish, NFL punter
• Bob Rigby, professional soccer player
• Frantz St. Lot, professional soccer player
• Bob Stetler, professional soccer player
• Laura Van Gilder, professional cyclist
• Ruth Kramer, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
• Marie Kruckel, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
• Jane Moffet, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
• Ruth Williams, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
• Ralph Mitterling, Philadelphia Athletics outfielder
• Jim Lambert, sportswriter
• Dale H. Learn, 1948 vice-presidential nominee of the Prohibition Party
• Bill Lewis, football coach
• Anibal Nieves, Olympic wrestler, Puerto Rico
• Thomas Tigue, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Patricia McMahon Hawkins, Ambassador
• Pat Flaherty, football offensive line coach
• Mike Reichenbach, NFL linebacker
• Matthew Riddle, former mixed martial artist and professional wrestler
• Vic Fangio, NFL head coach
• Edwin Erickson, Pennsylvania State Senate
• Joseph Battisto, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Kelly Lewis, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Mervin Heller, Jr., President, United States Tennis Association (USTA)
• Duane Johnson, professional basketball player
• Harry Hiestand, NFL and college football coach
• Jordan White, rock musician