Eastern Washington University: A Comprehensive Overview of Programs and History
Eastern Washington University (EWU) is a public university located primarily in Cheney, Washington. The university offers a wide array of programs, a rich history, and a recent transition towards becoming a polytechnic institution.
Historical Overview
The institution's history dates back to 1882 when it was established as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy. Benjamin Pierce Cheney, a member of the Northern Pacific Railroad's board of directors, donated $10,000 to establish the academy. The city of Cheney was named in his honor in October 1880.
Early Years as a Normal School
In 1890, after Washington gained statehood, the school was renamed the State Normal School at Cheney. Its primary mission was to train future elementary school teachers. The first class commenced on October 13, 1890, under the leadership of Principal W. W. Gillette and William J. Sutton.
Fires and Rebuilding
The campus faced significant challenges early on, with fires in 1891 and 1912 causing extensive damage. On August 27, 1891, the original 1882 Cheney Academy building was destroyed, leading to temporary relocation of classes. Despite these setbacks, the school was rebuilt each time. Sutton, who became principal in 1892, secured $60,000 in state funding to construct a new building, which was completed in 1896.
Growth and Expansion
Despite initial financial challenges, including a veto of funding in 1897, the school continued to grow. Noah D. Showalter became president in 1911, just before the 1896 building was destroyed in the second fire on April 24, 1912. A new administration building was designed by Julius Zittel and dedicated on May 22, 1915, later named Showalter Hall in 1940. The institution expanded with the addition of dormitories: Monroe Hall (1916), Senior Hall (1920), and Sutton Hall (1923). In 1929, the President's House (now University House) was completed.
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Transition to Eastern Washington State College
Following World War II, the institution experienced rapid growth and was renamed Eastern Washington State College in 1961. During this period, the college introduced various graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
Rebranding as a Polytechnic University
In July 2024, EWU President Shari McMahan announced a rebrand to a polytechnic university. This shift aims to emphasize applied and experiential learning to differentiate EWU from other regional universities in Washington.
Academic Programs
Eastern Washington University offers a diverse range of academic programs. EWU provides over 100 fields of study, 10 master's degrees, seven graduate certificates, 55 graduate programs of study, and an applied doctoral program in physical therapy. Master's programs in social work are available in Everett and Vancouver, while a master's in education is offered in Kent.
Admissions and Rankings
The Carnegie Foundation classifies EWU as an inclusive institution, with an 82% admission rate for freshmen in 2010. The average incoming freshman in 2010 had a combined SAT score of 970 and a high-school weighted GPA of 3.17.
Campus Life and Facilities
The University Recreation Center (URC), a 117,699-square-foot facility, opened in 2008. The Easterner serves as the student newspaper, distributed weekly during the fall, winter, and spring quarters. The Associated Students of Eastern Washington University (ASEWU), the student government, organizes various student committees.
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Athletics
Eastern Washington University's athletic teams, the Eastern Washington Eagles, compete in the Big Sky Conference of the NCAA Division I. Key athletic facilities include Roos Field, Reese Court, and the Jim Thorpe Fieldhouse. EWU has won three national championships in football (2010), wrestling (1977), and men's cross country (1982).
Locations
The main campus is located in Cheney, Washington. EWU also offers programs at various off-campus locations, including Everett, Vancouver, and Kent.
Transition to Polytechnic Model
Eastern Washington University is transitioning to a polytechnic model to enhance workforce readiness. This change involves emphasizing hands-on, applied learning experiences.
Student Life and Activities
Eastern Washington University offers a vibrant campus life with various clubs, intramural sports, and student organizations. The Women's and Gender Education Center supports gender, women's, and sexuality studies.
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