Eastern Kentucky University Celebrates Sesquicentennial

Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY is preparing to celebrate the sesquicentennial of its founding. You can read more in "Celebrating 150 Years of Teaching on The Campus Beautiful."

EKU is located on the campus of the former Central University was founded on September 22, 1874.  "The first campus facility, the University Building, was constructed the same year. Central University merged with Centre College in 1901, leaving behind the eight buildings that made up the campus. After the Centre College merger was completed, the Kentucky General Assembly established the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School."

The name changed to Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College in 1922; to Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College in 1930; to Eastern Kentucky State College in 1948; then to Eastern Kentucky University in 1966.

Sesquicentennial Celebration Planned for West Chester University

West Chester University is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The institution was founded as West Chester Academy in 1812 in West Chester, PA. It became West Chester State Normal School in 1871. The name changed to West Chester State Teacher's College in 1927, to West Chester State College in 1960, and then to West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 1983.

The 150th Anniversary web page offers links to anniversary videos, upcoming events, a timeline of key institutional dates, historic photographs, and other resources.

The Special Collections department of the FH Green Library also offers a variety of digital collections and other resources.

Shepherd University Prepares for 150th Anniversary

Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia is preparing to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding.

The institution was founded in 1871 as Shepherd College. It became Shephard State Normal School in 1872. The name changed to Shepherd State Teachers College in 1931 and back to Shepherd College in 1943. It then became Shepherd University in April 2004 with a final name change.

You can visit the 150th anniversary web site for upcoming events, a timeline, and a variety of other historical resources.

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Celebrates Its Sesquicentennial Anniversary

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is beginning its sesquicentennial celebration. Shane Nyman summarized key activities planned for this fall in "UWO at 150: It’s time to celebrate a century and a half of success."

OWU was founded as Oshkosh Normal School in 1871. The name changed to Oshkosh Teachers College in 1925, Wisconsin State College-Oshkosh in 1949, Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh in 1964, and then to the current University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1971.

You can learn more about UWO's history by visiting the 150th Anniversary web pages. There are links to a timeline with key dates, a schedule of sesquicentennial activities, and a short Youtube sesquicentennial preview.

 

MSUM Celebrates Centennial

Minnesota State University Moorhead, founded in 1888, is celebrating the centennial of becoming a teachers college in 1921. The article by Danielle A. Teigen was post on the Fargo Forum's Inforum web site on May 1, 2021.

You can visit the MSUM website for a statement by Ok-Hee Lee, Dean, College of Education & Human Services Education.

Special Digital Exhibits at the University of North Texas

The University of North Texas Libraries offers a digital exhibit, "UNT: The First 50 Years," that offers photos and explanatory text on the origins of the institution as a Teachers College, Academics, Athletics, Traditions, Student Life, Campus Buildings, and Student Publications. The exhibit was created by Special Collections faculty and students.

The University Archive pages also offer access to a rich array of resources including a compilation of blog posts, "125 Year Archival Retrospective," that explore institutional history through memorable people, events and traditions spanning from 1890 to the current day. Each post includes historical photographs, documents and memorabilia from the Archive.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell Celebrates 125th Anniversary

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding. The 125th anniversary web pages offer a timeline, histories, galleries of photographs, a short video, and other resources.

The history of the university reflects the history of two institutions founded one year apart in the late 1800s.

One, Lowell State Normal School was founded in 1894. The name change to Lowell State Teachers School in 1932 and then to Lowell State Teachers College in 1960 and Lowell State College in 1968.

Another institution, Lowell Textile School was founded in 1895. It became Lowell Textile Institute in 1928 and Lowell Technological Institute in 1953.

Lowell State College and Lowell Technological Institute then merged in 1975 to become the University of Lowell. The latest name change to University of Massachusetts Lowell occurred in 1991.

An institutional history published for the 100th anniversary, To Enrich and To Serve: The Centennial History of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, written by Mary H. Blewett and Christine McKenna and published in 1995, is available at no charge through the Internet Archive or used copies can be purchased through Abe Books.

A more recent book was published in 2012 by Arcadia Publishing, University of Massachusetts Lowell as part of its College History Series. You can read reflections of the author, Marie Frank, PhD, "Our 125 Years: Mergers, Murals and Modern Dance," posted by the university.

The Center for Lowell History offers an extensive array of historical resources for the university and surrounding region.

An Early History of Eastern Tennessee State

The Johnson City Press posted an interesting brief historical sketch, "East Tennessee Normal School: an early history of ETSU," by Tanner Cook on October 5, 2019. Cook provides information on the founding of the institution and the selection of Johnson City as the site.  He notes that there were 29 students when classes began in 1911.

After the founding as East Tennessee State Normal, the name changed to East Tennessee State Teachers College in 1925. It became East Tennessee State Teachers College, Johnson City in 1930 and reverted to East Tennessee State College in 1943. Then in 1963 it became East Tennessee State University in 1963.

Bemidji State University History Featured in New Exhibit

Bemidji State University in Minnesota has been celebrating its centennial and the institution's history is featured a new exhibit. 

Lakeland PBS posted "Beltrami County Historical Society Unveils New Bemidji State University Exhibit" that includes video coverage from the opening.  The exhibit features artifacts, vintage BSU apparel, old pins, and course catalogues.

The institution was established as Bemidji State Normal School.  The name changed to Bemidji State Teachers College in 1921, to Bemidji State College in 1957, and to Bemidji State University in 1976.

The centennial web pages offer a timeline of milestones and a variety of other resources that include a video on Vimeo that provides an overview of institutional history, "Bemidji State University: Celebrating our Centennial.".

125th Anniversary Celebration at the University of Wisconsin-Superior

The University of Wisconsin-Superior is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding in 1893 as Superior Normal School.  

A Community Celebration is planned for Tuesday, June 11th, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on the campus in Superior, WI.  The 125th anniversary web site offers more details, an historical timeline and video history, along with other information.

After the founding as Superior Normal School, the name changed to State Teachers College-Superior in 1925 and to Wisconsin State College-Superior in 1952.  It changed to Wisconsin State University-Superior in 1964 and finally to the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 1971.

SIU Carbondale begins 150th Anniversary Celebration

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is launching a yearlong celebration of the 150th anniversary of its founding in 1869 as Southern Illinois Normal University.  The name changed to SIU Carbondale after 1947.

You can visit SIU's 150th Anniversary web pages to find out more about the celebration.

The SIU Press will soon be releasing a special photo-filled commemorative book, Southern Illinois University at 150 Years: Growth, Accomplishments and Challenges edited by John S. Jackson, visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and political science professor emeritus. The book will feature contributions by a number of other individuals affiliated with the university and community.

The SIU Archives and Morris Library also offers a wide variety of historical resources.  You can find links to an early institutional history published in 1899 among an extensive array of digital collections.

Ball State University Celebrates Centennial

Ball State University is celebrating the centennial anniversary of its founding.  The 100th anniversary web pages offer links to a variety of resources including a short video, "From Normal to Extraordinary," an updated centennial history, and links to various planned events.

Frank C. Ball and his brothers purchased the land and buildings that previously served as Muncie Normal Institute and later, Muncie National Institute, two of several attempts to provide higher education in the city in the late 1800's and early 1900's. They donated the property to the state of Indiana which then opened the Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division in 1918.

In recognition of the Ball family’s generosity, the Indiana General Assembly changed the school's name to Ball Teachers College in 1922, then Ball State Teachers College in 1929, and to Ball State University in 1965.

You should also consider visiting the university's Archives & Special Collections web page for links to an amazing array of digital resources and research guides.

Western State Colorado University Adopts New Name

The Crested Butte News reports that Western State Colorado University is re-branding as Western Colorado University.

The institution was founded in Gunnison, CO in 1901 as Colorado State Normal School. The name changed to Western State College of Colorado in 1923 and to Western State Colorado University in 2012.

Sesquicentennial Celebrations at Minnesota State University Mankato

Minnesota State University Mankato is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding as Mankato State Normal School in 1868.

You can visit the 150th anniversary web pages for links to events commemorating the anniversary, historical information and digital resources. The web pages for the university archives also offer an extensive set of digital collections.

Mankato State Normal School became Mankato State College in 1957. The name changed again to Mankato State University in 1975 and then to Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1998.

A sesquicentennial history of the institution written by William E. Lass, a professor emeritus of history, was also released this week, Minnesota State University, Mankato 1868-2018: A Sesquicentennial History.

St. Cloud State University Sesquicentennial Anniversary

St. Cloud State University in Minnesota is preparing to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding in 1869.  The initial sesquicentennial page includes a short video and links to a timeline, various events or news related to the anniversary.  You can also follow a link to a post, "SCSU AT 150: HOW IT ALL BEGAN BACK IN 1869," on the WJON radio site with a short historical sketch and early photographs.

SCSU was founded as the Third District State Normal School at St. Cloud, MN. The name changed to St. Cloud State Teachers College in 1921 and to St. Cloud State College in 1957. The name then changed to St. Cloud State University in 1975.

The University Archives created several exhibits, "From Normal to University: The St. Cloud State Campus Since 1869," that provide interesting information on how the campus mission and physical characteristics have changed.  You can find links to historic individual building profiles for many campus buildings and information on Faces Behind the Places exhibit that explores the people who have St. Cloud State buildings named in their honor.  

The Archives also has a page, "Historical Compilations and Histories," with an amazing array of links to historical resources including:

• History of St. Cloud State Teachers College (1954), by Dudley Brainard. Written by long-time faculty member and former president, Dudley Brainard, this history was an update of his 1944 history created for the 75th anniversary of St. Cloud State's establishment.
• A Centennial History of St. Cloud State College (1968), by Edwin Cates. Authored by History faculty member Edwin Cates, this volume was written to commemorate St. Cloud State's 100th anniversary in 1969.
• University Archives YouTube channel. Film and video from University Archives, including nearly all football games from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Reflections on the Significance of Campus Renovation

The High Plains Reader published an intriguing article, "Gateways to History are Best Kept Open," by Ken Smith.  Smith focuses on the armory, a building built in 1905 on the campus of the former Manual Training School in Ellendale, ND.  His article also includes an historical sketch of the institution that evolved to become a branch campus of the University of North Dakota before closing in the early 1970s.

Work on the armory is now finished and in September, 2018 the current occupant of the campus, Trinity Bible College, will host an open house and also open two other renovated campus buildings of similar vintage, a residence hall and the president's home.  

Smith comments that , "Saving and refurbishing these structures is an accomplishment that deserves notice around the state and region. It hasn't been cheap or easy, but this good work deserves recognition far and wide."  

He also draws an interesting contrast with a controversy involving the University of North Dakota's upcoming decision on possible destruction of buildings of Wesley College.  Smith also notes an irony where the "...state’s leading secular university is about to demolish a set of buildings that were once devoted to a religious purpose. (While) Here in Ellendale our religiously based college is about to finish restoring a pair of buildings that were once devoted to a secular purpose."

Concord University History and Traditions

I was looking for information this morning on the history of Concord University in Athens, West Virginia and found the wonderful athens we knew site created and maintained by Garland Elmore, Jr.  While Elmore's website is designed to offer information on the broader Athens community, it includes a number of pages with text and photographs focusing on Concord University.  

The institution was founded as Concord State Normal School in 1872. The name changed to Concord State Teachers College in 1931. The name changed again Concord College in 1943 it became Concord University in 2004. The university's web site offers a History & Goals page that includes tables with lists of principals/presidents, institutional names with corresponding seals, and other historical information.

Solving the Mystery of St. Etheldreda's College

Derek James of the Norwich Evening News posted an article this week, "Solving the mystery of 'St. Etheldreda's College,'" where he reports on efforts to learn more about the institution. St. Etheldreda's, also known as The Norwich Diocesan Training College operated in several locations from 1839 until it was destroyed during the Blitz in 1942.

  

Keswick Hall College of Education filled a need for teacher training in the post-war period from 1948-1981 and web pages devoted to its history include a brief sketch of the Norwich training college with a number of interesting photographs.

Truman State University Prepares for Sesquicentennial of Founding in 1867

Truman State University in Kirksville, MO is preparing to celebrate the sesquicentennial of its founding in 1867.  The Summer 2017 issue of the Truman Review includes a feature article, "Acknowledging the Past, Pursuing the Future," that offers highlights of the institution's history along with a number of historical images.

The institution was founded as North Missouri Normal School and Commercial College and was generally known as the North Missouri Normal School.  It became the First District Normal School in 1870.  The name changed to Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in 1919, to Northeast Missouri State College in 1968, and to Northeast Missouri State University in 1972.  Truman State University was adopted in 1996.

Truman State's website also includes a "History of Truman State University" page devoted to the institution that includes links to additional information on:

• History
• Our Namesake
• Our Presidents
• Building Names
• University Name Changes
• Biographies

150th Anniversary Celebration begins for Peru State College

Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska is celebrating the sesquicentennial of its founding in 1867.  The institution opened as Nebraska State Normal school. The name changed to Nebraska State Teacher's College at Peru in 1921 and to Peru State Teachers College in 1949. Then in 1978, it became Peru State College.

The Omaha World-Herald published an article on the milestone, "'Nebraska's First College': Peru State kicks off 150th birthday celebration this weekend," by Dan Sullivan on June 16, 2017.  Sullivan also serves as the author of a sesquicentennial history, Nebraska’s First College:  Shaping the Future since 1867.  You can view Sullivan's history online or you can order a copy from the college web site.

An interesting 5:31 minute audio segment reporting on Peru State's history and the 150th anniversary is available on Nebraska's public radio NET News, "Peru State College Ready to Celebrate 150 Years in Southeast Nebraska."