Central Washington university

Kamola Hall at Washington State Normal School (predecessor to Central Washington University) was completed in October of 1911. A dining room addition was added in 1915 and was enlarged once again in 1919. The facility was originally used as a women’s dormitory. During the Second World War, the dorms were used as a barracks for Army Air Corps cadets training at the college and nearby airfield. During the 1990s it served as a dorm for international students from Asia. The building was completely remodeled in 2002 and 2003 and is currently a co-ed dormitory for honors students.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Housing, Kamola Hall Scrapbook, 1956-1965, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

Kappa Pi is the National Art Honor Society that promotes an interest and appreciation for art among college students. The Central Washington University chapter of Kappa Pi (designated Alpha Beta) was believed to have been established sometime during the 1930s and disbanded sometime in the late 1960s.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Student Organizations, Kappa Pi, Homecoming Records, 1956-1959, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The University Relations Office at Central Washington University began as the Office of Public Service in 1938. In 1946 the office was renamed the Publications Office, a name that it retained until 1962 when it became part of the Office of Auxiliary Services. After 1966 it became the College Relations and Financial Aid Office and later, in 1969, the College Information Office. When Central Washington State College became a university in 1977, the department was re-titled the University Information Office. In 1979 it was called the University Relations Office and in 1993, it became the University Advancement Office.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Relations, News Releases, 1979-1993, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

Special editions of the Ellensburg Daily Record dedicated to the start of classes at Central Washington University were first published in the mid-1970s and last published in 1990. Special editions were produced throughout that time by the University Relations Office of Central Washington University.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Advancement, Daily Record Special Editions, 1976-1990, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Faculty Council at Central Washington College of Education (presently Central Washington University) was begun during fall quarter of 1946 to allow faculty representation in administrative decisions related to personnel policies and procedures. The Faculty Council consisted of eleven faculty members and the president of the college. The Council first met on November 6, 1946, and met bi-monthly until the summer of 1963. The Faculty Council evolved into the Faculty Senate in September of 1963.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Faculty Senate, Faculty Council Background Information and Early Minutes, 1946-1948, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

In the summer of 1950, Professor Elwyn H. Odell of the Division of Social Science at Central Washington College of Education conducted an experimental course on the workings of the United Nations. He continued to teach the class the following year as interest grew among students. The foundation for a regional Model United Nations was begun at Stanford University in the spring of 1951. The following year Central Washington College of Education was invited and sent its first delegation to the regional conference in April of 1952. Central became an active member of the Model United Nations of the Far West, the current title of the regional organization, and in 1993 co-hosted the 43rd session of the conference. The Political Science Department presently offers a course on the subject and sends delegates to the annual regional conference.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Political Science Department, Model United Nations Records, 1951-1993 (bulk 1952-1968), (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

Construction of Sue Lombard Hall, on the campus of Central Washington University, began in 1925 and was completed in December of 1926. The women’s dormitory was named after Sue Lombard Horsely, who had been a member of the school’s Board of Trustees from 1915 to 1928. In 2004, a major renovation project was initiated that modernized the building. The project was completed in October of 2005. Currently, the dorm houses honors students in education, music, and natural sciences.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Housing, Sue Lombard Hall Scrapbooks, 1950-1978, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Cultural Heritage and Museum Project at Central Washington University was organized in the Spring of 2002 as a presidential task force to survey archival materials deemed to be historically significant to the institutional memory of the university. The task force was dissolved in the Fall of 2004 with the creation of the University Archives department in Brooks Library.

From the guide to the Cultural Heritage and Museum Project, Miscellaneous files, 1929-1990, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Physical Education, Health Education and Leisure Services Department of Central Washington University was first established in 1969 with the consolidation of the Physical Education Department, Health Education Department and the Recreation Program. It was named the Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation. In 1974, the Recreation Program was reorganized and renamed Leisure Services, and thus the change to Physical Education, Health and Leisure Services Department. The department’s final title change was in 1994 to Physical Education, Health Education and Leisure Services Department.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Physical Education, Health Education and Leisure Services. Scrapbooks and Slides, 1960-1984, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

Mabel Anderson Hall was constructed on the campus of Central Washington University in 1961 and opened as a student dormitory in 1962. The building has served as a dormitory since that date.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Housing, Anderson Hall Scrapbooks, 1962-1969, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Office of the President at Central Washington University originated with the appointment of a Principal for Washington State Normal School by the Board of Trustees in the fall of 1891. The title of Principal was changed to President in 1914 and continues to use today.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Office of the President, Board of Trustees Files, 1916-1995, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Graduate Studies and Research Program newsletter was first published in October of 1974 with the intention of “communicating news and comments about graduate education and research” at Central Washington University. The newsletter ceased publication sometime in the mid-1990s.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Graduate Studies and Research Program, Newsletters, 1974-1992, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Curriculum Library operated as a separate department at Central Washington University, reporting to the Dean of Education within the library building until it was relocated to Black Hall in 1993. The Curriculum Library houses teaching materials and manuals for use by students in Central's education program.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Library Department, Curriculum Library Records, 1964-1993, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The University Advancement Office at Central Washington University began as the Office of Public Service in 1938. In 1946 the office was renamed the Publications Office, a name which it retained until 1962 when it became part of the Office of Auxiliary Services. After 1966 it became the College Relations and Financial Aid Office and later, in 1969, the College Information Office. When the Central became a university in 1977, the office was renamed the University Information Office. In 1979 it was called the University Relations Office, and in 1993 it became the University Advancement Office.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Relations, Miscellaneous Photographs and Negatives, circa 1890-1990, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

From the guide to the Central Washington University Advancement, Personnel Records, 1989-2001, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

From the guide to the Central Washington University Relations, CWU Associates Photographic Slides, 1996, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

From the guide to the Central Washington University Advancement, Press Releases, 1986-2001 (bulk 1994-2001), (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

James E. Brooks was the president of Central Washington University from 1961 through 1978.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Office of the President, James E. Brooks Papers, 1962, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Faculty Senate at Central Washington University began as the eleven-member Faculty Council in the fall of 1946. The Faculty Council evolved into the Faculty Senate in September of 1963. The Faculty Senate currently represents the faculty in matters relating to curriculum, educational policy, academic regulations and standards, personnel policies and the welfare of its membership.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Faculty Senate, Faculty Records, 1963-2012, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

From the guide to the Central Washington University Faculty Senate, Faculty Codes, 1947-2012, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

From the guide to the Central Washington University Faculty Senate, Meeting Minutes, 1949-2012, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

From the guide to the Central Washington University Faculty Senate, Faculty Handbooks, 1956-1992, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Administrative Council of the President of Central Washington College of Education was established by President Robert E. McConnell on May 6, 1940, to assist him in the appointment of campus committees, the development of strategic plans, and the creation of the college's budget. The members of the council included the President, Dean of Instruction, Business Manager, Registrar, Director of Graduate Studies, Director of Public Service and the Dean of Students. The Administrative Council dissolved in the spring of 1968 and its powers transferred to the President's Council.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Office of the President, Administrative Council Minutes, 1940-1968, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Department of Education at Central Washington University was formally established in 1898 as part of the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Education. Prior to that date, from 1893 to 1898, education courses were taught as part of the teaching certificate program at the Washington State Normal School (predecessor to Central Washington University). In 1904, the department's name was changed to the Department of Psychology and Education. The Department of Psychology and Education was divided into two separate departments in 1916. Daniel A. Unruh was a professor of education from 1965 to the early 1990s.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Faculty Papers, Daniel Unruh, 1976, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Political Science Department at Central Washington University was established in 1963. The department dates back to the 1890s when the Washington State Normal School taught courses in American government. In 1939, an instructor was specifically hired by the Normal School to teach political science courses. The department was an office in the Social Sciences Division from 1933 to 1962.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Political Science Department, Subject Files, 1912-1983 (bulk 1956-1977), (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

Student organizations at Central Washington University have been in existence since the 1890s, when the college was a normal school. The first recognized organizations to be established were the literary societies and Christian associations. Later, academic, honors and social clubs were established along with athletic organizations. As student attitudes changed, many organizations have been dissolved due to declining membership and interest.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Student Organizations, Account Ledgers, 1891-1941, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Foreign Languages Department of Central Washington University was established in the fall of 1964. Prior to that date, foreign language courses fell under the Division of Language and Literature. The first foreign language course to be taught at Central Washington University was Latin in 1895, when the college was known as the Washington State Normal School. An academic major in French was first offered in 1942 but a decline in enrollment during the war years and lack of support from the school’s administration led to its removal the following year. French was re-introduced as a major in the fall of 1949 along with Spanish. Currently the Foreign Languages Department offers degrees in six languages, including American Sign Language.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Foreign Languages Department, Office Files and Minutes, 1963-2006, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Department of Rural Education at Washington State Normal School (later, Central Washington University) was organized on September 1, 1916, by George H. Black, who was appointed principal of the school earlier that year. The department began publishing the Monitor that same month and continued printing the bulletin until March of 1918, when the name was changed to The Extension Bulletin . In 1919, the Department of Rural Education was reorganized as part of the Extension Department and was broken up into training centers in surrounding counties. In 1931, the program was cancelled as the result of student enrollment reductions and financial difficulties caused by the Great Depression.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Department of Rural Education, Monitor Newsletter, 1916-1918, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Office of the Registrar at Washington State Normal School (currently Central Washington University) was established in 1917. Prior to that date, the secretary to the school principal and the school recorder managed student records.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Registrar Services, Grade Records, 1892-1917, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

From the guide to the Central Washington University Registrar Services, General Record Ledger, 1891-1916, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Facilities Management Department of Central Washington University was initially established under the supervision of the Washington State Normal School Board of Trustees when the school opened in 1891. In 1910, a Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds was appointed and given the responsibility for facilities management on campus. During the 1920s, a Business Manager replaced the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds consolidating the two departments. The Facilities Management Department was reorganized in 1986 and included the planning division.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Facilities Management Department, Barge Hall Blueprints and Drawings, 1893, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

From the guide to the Central Washington University Facilities Management Department, Bouillon Hall Architectural Model, 1972, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

Media Library Services at Central Washington University was established in 1939 as a department under the Office of Public Service. The Audio-Visual Education Department, as it was then called, offered to loan educational films to public schools in the region. The department expanded and in 1943 was reorganized as the Office of Visual Education. In 1962, it was renamed the Audio Visual Library as it was incorporated into the campus library. The name was changed again in 1979 to media Library Services. It is currently called Media Circulation.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Media Library Services, Annual Reports, 1931-1988, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

History Day is an annual contest, nationally recgnized since 1979. The contest was first introduced in 1982 to Washington state. Initial participants in 1982 numbered around 125. That number has since risen to 3000 in 2006. Students participate by creating history “projects,” which are assessed within regions across the state. Regional winners compete at the state championship held at Central Washington University since 1985. Finally, winners move on to the national History Day contest, which is held in Washington, DC.

From the guide to the Central Washington University History Department, History Day Reports, 1975-2004, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Multimedia Technology and Instructional Support Department was first established in 1972 as Media Production Services of the Audiovisual Division of the Library Department at Central Washington State College. After 1987, the unit changed titles and switched departments. It became the Media Development Services Unit in 1987, the Media Production and Development Unit in 1993, and the Media Productions Unit in 1996. In 1998 the unit was reorganized under Center for Learning Technologies and in 2001 the unit was transferred to the Academic Computing Department. Since 2004 it has been recognized as the Multimedia Technology and Instructional Support Department.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Multimedia Technology and Instructional Support, Video Cassettes, 1976-1995, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

Central's Public Relations and Marketing Office began as part of the Office of Public Service in 1938. In 1946 the office was restructured and named the Publications Office. It was placed under the Director of Auxiliary Services in 1962, where it developed into the Division of Advertising and Publications in 1981 and later the Division of Productions in 1991. The Office of Auxiliary Services was dissolved in 1997, creating the Office of Publications and Advertising and the Office of Graphics Productions. In 2001, the Office of Publications and Advertising was renamed the Public Relations and Marketing Office.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Public Relations and Marketing Office, Ephemera, 1893-1967, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The James Brooks Library was designed in 1968 to replace the outdated and undersized Bouillon Library that was built in 1961. Construction of the Library and Instructional Complex was begun in the spring of 1973 and completed in the summer of 1974. The building still serves as Central Washington University's main library and media services area.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Library Department, Brooks Building Construction Reports, 1973, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Diversity Education Center was established at Central Washington University in 1993 to provide the campus community with "the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures and people." The Center offers programs, workshops, and other educational methods to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation for cultural differences and commonalities.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Diversity Education Center, Associate Director’s Files, 1992-2002, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The duties of the University Housing Office at Central Washington University were originally managed by the Dean of Women at Washington State Normal School (predecessor to Central Washington University). Prior to that date the school principal’s secretary managed housing for incoming students. Through the years, the Housing Office has served under various administrative heads, including the Dean of Men, Dean of Students and Housing Director. The Housing Office is currently a department under the Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Division at Central Washington University.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Housing, Resident Hall Staff Scrapbooks and Reports, 1966-1996, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Payroll Department at Central Washington University has its roots in the school's Business Office of the 1960s, and the Payroll Supervisor who served there. The department currently resides as an independent office in the Division of Business and Financial Affairs.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Payroll Department, Records, 1939-1951, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

Washington State Normal School of Ellensburg, WA, published its first student newspaper-- Student Opinion --in 1916. In 1927, the name of the paper was changed to the Campus Crier and since 1984 it has been titled The Observer .

From the guide to the Campus Crier, Student newspaper account ledgers, 1932-1936, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Central Washington University library began in Barge Hall, moved into Bouillon Hall when it was constructed, and finally to a new building in 1973. The architect of the new library building was Ibsen Nelson of Seattle. The library was initially part of a Library-Instructional Complex that included another building attached to the library via a breezeway which would have contained the Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology departments as well as general use classrooms. In 2003, the building was named in honor of Dr. James L. Brooks, former president of Central Washington University.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Library Department, Personnel Files and Staff Rosters, 1930s-1990s, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

On November 1, 1971, three faculty members from the anthropology and sociology departments at Central Washington State College (presently Central Washington University) were granted funding by the Faculty Research Committee to study the status of women on campus. The researchers were Laura Appleton and John R. Dugan from the sociology department and Anne Denman of the anthropology department. By the spring of 1972, a study was underway to examine student and faculty attitudes on the status of women on campus. A series of questionnaires were developed for both students and faculty. The study was completed in April of 1975. The results of the study found “discriminatory practices existed” in regards to salaries, promotions, and departmental ranking of women faculty members.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Faculty Research Committee, Status of Women Study, 1971-1977, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The Washington Geography Newsletter was first published in December of 1955 by the Department of Geography at Central Washington College of Education as a means of encouraging the “exchang[e] of ideas and teaching techniques” in the field of geography. The Washington Geography Newsletter ceased publication in the winter of 1960. During the fall of 1962, the Geography Department began publishing the Pacific Northwest Geographer as an “outlet for the writing of superior students on the undergraduate level, graduate students, and teachers of geography at all levels.” The newsletter ended its run in the spring of 1965.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Geography Department, Newsletters, 1955-1965, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

George H. Black was born in Georgetown, Ontario, in 1874. He graduated with honors from the University of Toronto in 1898, and served as vice president of Clarksburg, (Mo.) College for the next two years. In 1900 he became head of the science department at Washington State Normal School. Subsequently, he served as president of Idaho State Normal School and Central Washington College of Education, member of the education faculty of New York University, and provost at the University of Newark.

Black completed graduate work at the University of Chicago Graduate School and received an M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University. Rutgers awarded him an honorary Litt.D. in 1947.

Black served as president of the Idaho State Teachers Association and the Inland Empire Teachers Association, and as member of the Washington State Board of Education and Washington State Board of Vocational Education. In Idaho, he drafted a law creating a single board to supervise state educational institutions.

Black served on the technical committee of the Joint Committee on Health Problems in Education of the National Education Association and the American Medical Association. He was a delegate to the International Health Conference at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1925. He was the first vice president of the American Association of Teachers Colleges.

Black was a member of the Canadian Club of New York, the Essex and Downtown Clubs in Newark, and the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences. He passed away February 24, 1952, in Palo Alto, California.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Faculty Papers, George H. Black, 1891-1952, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The University Advancement Office at Central Washington University began as the Office of Public Service in 1938. In 1946 the office was renamed the Publications Office, a name which it retained until 1962 when it became part of the Office of Auxiliary Services. After 1966 it became the College Relations and Financial Aid Office and later, in 1969, the College Information Office. When the Central became a university in 1977, the office was renamed the University Information Office. In 1979 it was called the University Relations Office, and in 1993 it became the University Advancement Office.

Mark A. Young was hired as Vice President of University Advancement at Central Washington University on August 16, 1993, and served in that position until reassigned as the Vice President of Special Programs in 1999. He also served as Executive Vice President of the Central Washington University Foundation during the same time period. Mr. Young resigned in July of 2000.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Advancement, Mark A. Young Papers, 1993-1999, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The doors of the Washington State Normal School in Ellensburg opened in 1891. Mr. Benjamin Franklin Barge was the first principal of the school, which was founded to educate future elementary and junior high teachers. Classes were held at the Washington Public School until the normal school's first building, Barge Hall, opened in 1893. The normal school became Central Washington College of Education in 1937, Central Washington State College in 1961, and Central Washington University in 1977.

The diplomas and certificates of Central Washington University (and predecessors) were originally held by the library at the university. The Central Washington University library was initially established and housed in Barge Hall in 1897. On December 19, 1925, the library was relocated to the newly built Shaw-Smyser Hall. By 1954 the library had outgrown Shaw-Smyser Hall and state funding for a new building was sought. Funding was approved in 1959 and construction was begun in the spring of 1960. The library was moved to Bouillon Hall when construction was completed on September 1, 1961. Before the end of the decade Bouillon Hall was at capacity and plans for a new library and instruction building were launched. In 1973, construction was completed on the new library. Thirty years later, in 2003, the building was named in honor of Dr. James L. Brooks, former president of Central Washington University.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Diplomas and Certificates, 1892-1956, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

Helen Margaret Wersen was born November 15, 1915, in Mount Vernon, Washington. After completing primary and high school, she attended Washington State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a Bachelor of Education degree in 1938.

Wersen taught school in Toppenish, WA, where she first became interested in recreational aspects of physical education. In 1941, she married Burton W. McCabe. She had two children: John Scott, born in 1942, and Ross Burton, born in 1944. She continued to teach at various high schools in Hanford, WA; Portland, OR; and in California.

In 1956, McCabe joined the faculty of Central Washington College of Education and founded the school’s Leisure Services program. In addition to teaching, she earned a Master of Arts degree from Washington State University in 1959 and a doctorate from Indiana University in 1971. Her dissertation, titled “An Analysis of Outdoor Recreation Opportunities on State-Owned Lands in Washington,” was well received by Washington state agencies and was presented to the State Assembly.

While teaching, McCabe remained active in numerous state, regional, and national recreation organizations, serving as president of the Washington Recreation and Park Society and chairman of the Washington State Camping Advisory Committee. She was honored by the Ellensburg, WA, community on several occasions for her support of local recreation programs. The City of Ellensburg’s Park and Recreation Commission presented her with a plaque in 1972 for her work with them from 1964 to 1972. In 1973 the city council presented her with an appreciation certificate. She worked as well with the National Trails Council, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the Pacific Northwest Parks and Recreation Foundation. McCabe served as professor of recreation at Central Washington State College until 1976, when she passed away due to a terminal illness. After her death, the Washington State Parks Commission named a state park at the entrance to the Yakima River Canyon in McCabe’s honor.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Faculty Papers, Helen McCabe, 1956-1980, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)

The doors of the Washington State Normal School in Ellensburg opened in 1891. Mr. Benjamin Franklin Barge was the first principal of the school, which was founded to educate future elementary and junior high teachers. Classes were held at the Washington Public School until the normal school's first building, Barge Hall, opened in 1893. The normal school became Central Washington College of Education in 1937, Central Washington State College in 1961, and Central Washington University in 1977.

Alumni of the university have acheived in everything from pedagogy to art to athletics. One alumnus featured in this collection is Jon Kitna, player in the National Football League from 1997 to 2012.

From the guide to the Central Washington University Alumni Subject Files, 1919-2007, (Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections)