In 1946, the Congregation of Holy Cross accepted the invitation of Bishop William J. Hafey of Scranton to begin an independent four-year college for men in Wilkes-Barre. Through its courses of study, sons of coal miners and men returning from the war were to be given a broad-based liberal education in the Catholic tradition that provided intellectual, moral, and spiritual preparation to assist them in leading satisfying and purposeful lives. As years passed and the College flourished, the mission expanded admission to women and continues to educate countless numbers of first-generation college students of all faiths. With an ever-expanding campus, King's College now offers 41 undergraduate programs, 9 graduate programs, 29 varsity athletic programs, and over 50 student clubs and activities. 

For seven decades, King’s has made a difference in the lives of students, neighboring communities, and beyond. Sifting through collected references and accounts, the timeline below celebrates the growth of King’s College from its humble beginnings. Please be sure to also reference our History Flickr Album, which features corresponding archival photos used to create this timeline.

Men pose outside a King's building in the 1940s

1940s

The Administration building on North River Street is pictured in a vintage photo

1950s

An arial photo of the King's campus and downtown Wilkes-Barre

1960s

King's College signage amidst the 1973 flood

1970s

The Leo the Lion statue is erected outside the Mulligan building

1980s

Men in hard hats pose for a photo outside the new McGowan Business School

1990s

Leo and men in business attire pose in the McGowan School of Business

2000s

Chapel of Christ the King interior

2010s

Students in medical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020s

The History of King’s College Timeline was created by a dedicated group of faculty and staff who devoted many hours to research, writing, fact checking, and editing.

  • Jamie Costello, Library, Circulation Supervisor
  • Brandi George Davis, Director of College Marketing & Communications
  • Thomas Mackman, Associate Professor of History
  • Jennifer McClinton-Temple, Professor of English
  • Ryan Rosenthal, Web Systems Manager
  • David Schappert, Director of the Library
  • Marianne Sodoski, Reference Librarian