What year did Gallaudet University officially become a university?

Gallaudet University officially became a university in 1986. This milestone was significant for the institution, which had previously been known as Gallaudet College. The change reflected its expanding role in higher education for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and its commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience. This university status allowed Gallaudet to offer graduate programs and further solidified its reputation as a leader in deaf education and research. The transition to university status also represented an evolution in the institution's mission to foster academic excellence and promote the rights and culture of deaf individuals on a larger scale.