"While many New Hampshire-born men and women have achieved greatness, only one has attained the pinnacle of political leadership. From 1853 -1857, Franklin Pierce proudly served as the 14th President of the United States. More than a century later, a visionary group set out to charter a college uniquely dedicated to preparing future leaders. The name for such an institution was clear to all - Franklin Pierce. The College was chartered by the State Legislature on November 14, 1962. Nearly 45 years later, on July 1, 2007, Franklin Pierce College achieved university status."