University of Minnesota. College of Science, Literature, and the Arts

The College of Science, Literature and the Arts (SLA) was established at the University of Minnesota in 1869 with nine faculty members. The college offered the vast majority of courses, including English, foreign languages, mathematics, geology, biology, literature, rhetoric, history and chemistry. The first dean of SLA was John F. Downey, who also served as professor of mathematics and astronomy. In 1914, John Black Johnston was appointed as dean of SLA. During Dean Johnston's 23 year tenure, the college streamlined admissions requirements and implemented standard admissions tests. In 1962, in an effort to strengthen the liberal arts education and to better integrate science and technology courses, SLA was reorganized. Departments in the physical sciences, including astronomy and geology were aligned with the Institute of Technology and SLA was renamed the College of Liberal Arts.

From the guide to the College of Science, Literature and the Arts papers, 1914-1945, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University Archives [uarc])