Eastern Connecticut State University

Dr. Charles R. Webb, the University’s fourth president, oversaw the rapid development and expansion of the athletic program. Prior to Webb’s arrival, the athletic program consisted of four intercollegiate (men’s) programs. At the time of his retirement, Eastern boasted 11 intercollegiate programs, six of them for women. With Webb in office, Eastern’s existing athletic facilities improved and new ones were developed; the institution also gained regional and national recognition for serving as host for three national softball and two national baseball tournaments as well as numerous regional and all-star events. Less than six months after his appointment, the native of Berkley, Calif. rescued the proposed $2.7 Sports Center from financial limbo. On Feb. 16, 1971, Webb signed a contract authorizing the building’s construction.