Plymouth State University has changed the name of its continuing education division.

Formerly known as the Frost School of Continuing and Professional Studies, it is now the Division of Online and Continuing Studies (DOCS).

PSU spokesman Tim Kershner said the name change, which took effect in January, was needed because of how much the field of continuing education has evolved since PSU opened the Frost School in 2006.

"We wanted to emphasize that we do online instruction and offer degrees. It was really to reflect the reality of what that division has become," Kershner said. "It makes it easier for people to recognize what we do."

Although the name Frost did not make the cut, PSU remains just as proud of its ties to one of the most highly regarded poets in American history.

Robert Frost taught at the school from 1911 to 1912 when it was known as the Plymouth Normal School.

His legacy is still evident throughout the campus in the Frost House, Frost Commons and a statue of Frost, which isn't going anywhere.

"The division been doing more with online education," Kershner said. "We wanted to recognize growing involvement with online educations.

The Frost School was started as an undergraduate division designed to meet the needs of working professionals and nontraditional students.

Online courses were just a part of the mix when it opened in 2006, but last year PSU had nearly 3,000 enrollments in online courses, DOCS Dean Nancy Betchart said.

"By entering PSU through DOCS, students have priority for online and evening classes or they can blend online, evening and daytime classes in a schedule that meets their needs," Betchart said in a news release announcing the name change.

Degree programs in criminal justice, communications/media, nursing and business administration are available through online courses.