The University of Massachusetts Amherst has renamed its center for professional development and experiential learning in Newton, Massachusetts the “Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst.” The name change took effect as of January 2026.
The campus has been the “Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst” since the university acquired the 66-acre property upon Mount Ida College’s closure in 2018. The Charles River Campus is home to the veterinary technology degree program, a Mount Ida College program adopted and redesigned by UMass Amherst.
The renaming process includes a plan to ensure the preservation of Mount Ida College’s legacy. UMass Amherst will remain the institution of record for Mount Ida College, maintaining transcripts and other records for alumni. Mount Ida College endowments will continue to fund scholarships for students participating in programs on the campus, and the UMass Amherst Special Collections University Archives (SCUA) will continue to make the Mount Ida College archives available to the public. An iconic mustang statue will be permanently preserved on campus, with a new plaque honoring the students, faculty, staff and supporters of Mount Ida College.
Read more about the Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst.
Learn more about the Veterinary Technology B.S. degree.
Learn more about internships and co-ops in the Boston area. The team at the Charles River campus is excited to match student interests with our premiere Boston-area employer partners for internships, and more!