[5] Founded in 1898, Husson was originally named Shaw School of Business and was located on the second floor of a building in downtown Bangor.

In 1953 the Maine Legislature authorized the school, newly-renamed as Husson College, to grant Bachelor of Science degrees.

In addition, specific programs have their own professional accreditations or approvals: The Husson University Campus in Bangor includes the Newman Gymnasium, the Winkin Sports Complex, Robert O'Donnell Commons (the College of Health and Education is located here), Peabody Hall (including the Sawyer Library and the Ross Furman Student Center), Harold Alfond Hall (opened in 2021, home of the College of Business and School of Law), the Dickerman Dining Center (renovated in 2012), the Dyke Center for Family Business, the Wildey Communications Center, the Beardsley Meeting House which houses the 500-seat Gracie Theatre, and the Darling Living & Learning Center which houses upperclassmen in suites and holds offices and classrooms on the ground floor.

Opera singer Richard Troxell, comedian Bob Marley, and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra have all performed in the Gracie.

The New England School of Communications has staged musicals (including West Side Story and The Who's Tommy) there and operates the theatre during other events.

[9] Winkin Sports Complex is home of the Husson University baseball, field hockey, and football teams.

The University also owns WHSN 89.3 FM, an alternative rock station operated by the New England School of Communications.

[19] The university is a member of the NCAA Division III and fields twenty one varsity sports teams in the North Atlantic Conference (primary), Commonwealth Coast Football (football) and the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (swimming and diving).

On November 30, 2023, the NCAA released a ruling from the Division III Committee on Infractions regarding an investigation of ethical conduct violations by a former Husson University swimming & diving head coach.