Founded in 1888 as Saint Thomas College by the Most Reverend William G. O’Hara, D.D., Scranton’s first bishop, Scranton achieved university status in 1938 and was entrusted to the care of the Society of Jesus in 1942. The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university animated by the spiritual vision and the tradition of excellence characteristic of the Society of Jesus and those who share its way of proceeding. The University is a community dedicated to the freedom of inquiry and personal development fundamental to the growth in wisdom and integrity of all who share its life. The University has earned accreditation from 16 different accrediting agencies, including recognition by the nation’s most prestigious bodies in the fields of business and management, nursing, computer science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chemistry and counseling.