Arizona State College

Arizona State College. Established in 1929, it was a public institution of higher education located in Flagstaff, Arizona, serving as a crucial predecessor to the modern Northern Arizona University. The college evolved from the earlier Northern Arizona Normal School and played a pivotal role in training educators for the Southwestern United States. Its transformation into a university in 1966 marked a significant expansion of its academic mission and regional influence.

History

The institution's origins trace back to 1899 with the founding of the Northern Arizona Normal School by the Arizona Territorial Legislature. In 1925, it was renamed the Northern Arizona State Teachers College, reflecting its growing scope. The pivotal change to Arizona State College occurred in 1929, authorized by the Arizona State Legislature, which broadened its curriculum beyond teacher training. Under the leadership of presidents like J. Lawrence Walkup, the college expanded its programs significantly in the post-World War II era, benefiting from the G.I. Bill. This period of growth, including the development of new facilities and graduate programs, culminated in its designation as Northern Arizona University by the legislature in 1966.

Academics

Initially focused on teacher education, the college steadily diversified its academic offerings. It established a College of Arts and Sciences and developed strong programs in fields like forestry, business administration, and the liberal arts. The institution was particularly noted for its pioneering work in bilingual education and its service to Native American communities, influenced by its proximity to the Navajo Nation and Hopi reservations. Graduate education began with a Master of Arts in Education, laying the foundation for its future university status. Key academic facilities included the Cline Library and specialized laboratories for the sciences.

Campus

The campus is situated on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 7,000 feet, within the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in North America. Historic buildings from the college era include Old Main, constructed in 1894, and the Gammage Building. The campus expanded rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s, adding residence halls like Morton Hall and the iconic University Union. Its location provided unique resources for field research in geology, biology, and environmental science, and it served as a gateway to natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon and San Francisco Peaks.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Lumberjacks, competed in the NAIA and later the NCAA College Division. They were a founding member of the Frontier Conference and later joined the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The football team played its home games at the Lumberjack Stadium, while basketball was hosted in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome. The cross country and track and field programs, training at high altitude, developed a strong regional reputation. Rivalries with institutions like UNLV and Weber State University were prominent during this era.

Notable alumni

Distinguished individuals who attended the college include John McCain, former United States Senator and Republican presidential nominee; Clyde Tombaugh, the astronomer who discovered Pluto; and Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of the Outlander series. Other notable alumni are Evelyn S. Lieberman, the first female White House Deputy Chief of Staff under President Bill Clinton; Paul Luna, former publisher of the Arizona Republic; and Bruce Babbitt, former Governor of Arizona and United States Secretary of the Interior.

Category:Universities and colleges in Arizona Category:Educational institutions established in 1929