History of Oregon State University
The history of Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, United States, began in the era of the Oregon Territory. At first a private school, the college later became a state supported agricultural institution. Nineteen presidents have led the school over the years while the school has been transformed from a single building to a campus of 577 acres (2.34 km2) and approximately 30,000 students in 2015.
Corvallis College
In 1856, a school building was constructed in the
In 1858, what would become Oregon State University began as Corvallis College as it was formally incorporated by members of the Freemasons.[1][5][6] At that time the school did not offer college level courses. Years later the school's ownership was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal Church.[1] In 1865, William A. Finley was named as the school's first president.[1] The school as began offering a bachelor's degree that year.[1]
State school
Corvallis College was incorporated by the church in 1868, and the state of Oregon designated the school as the State Agricultural College (SAC).
By 1934, Mary J. L. McDonald made donations that allowed for the purchase of the land that comprises the McDonald Forest owned by the school, which also includes Peavy Arboretum.[8]
Oregon State
The school's growing diversity in degrees led to another name change in 1937, when the college became Oregon State College.
Although OSU's academics mainly focused on agriculture, engineering and business through the 1960s; liberal arts remained an important part of the curriculum throughout its history. In fact, one of the more famous novelists of the 20th century taught English composition in 1940s and 50s.
School presidents
The position of President was created in 1865. From 1868 to 1929 the president reported to the institution's own Board of Trustees/Regents. Since the creation of the Oregon University System (OUS), the president has reported to the OUS chancellor.
List of presidents:
- William A. Finley (1865–1872)
- Joseph Emery (1872, acting)
- Benjamin L. Arnold(1872–1892)
- John D. Letcher (1892, acting)
- John M. Bloss (1892–1896)
- H. B. Miller (1896–1897)
- Thomas M. Gatch(1897–1907)
- William Jasper Kerr (1907–1932)
- George Wilcox Peavy(1932–1934, acting) (1934–1940)
- Frank Llewellyn Ballard (1940–1941)
- Francois Archibald Gilfillan (1941–1942, acting)
- August Leroy Strand (1942–1961)
- James Herbert Jensen (1961–1969)
- Roy Alton Young (1969–1970, acting)
- Robert William MacVicar(1970–1984)
- John V. Byrne (1984–1995)
- Paul G. Risser (1996–2002)
- Timothy P. White (2003, acting)
- Edward John Ray(2003–2020)
- F. King Alexander (2020-2021)
- Rebecca Johnson (2021-2022)
- Jayathi Murthy (2022-present)
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Horner, John B. (1919). Oregon: Her History, Her Great Men, Her Literature. The J.K. Gill Co.: Portland. p. 164-5
- ^ "Evaluation; Significant Individuals; City of Corvallis". Archived from the original on 2007-08-27. Retrieved 2006-11-08.
- ^ "Corvallis Freemasons History" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2006-11-08.
- ^ "The Birth of Corvallis College; OSU Alumni Assoc". Retrieved 2006-11-08.
- ^ "Fraternal orders shaped Corvallis; Gazette Times; By Ken Munford; May 25, 2007". Retrieved 2006-11-08.
- ^ "Town, university have symbiotic relationship; Gazette Times; By Ken Munford; August 10, 2007". Retrieved 2006-11-08.
- ^ Edmonston, George. "The Birth of OSU Football". OSU Alumni Association. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
- ^ "Oregon State Gets Rare Lincoln Set". The Oregonian. February 11, 1934. p. 38.
- ^ Edmonston, Jr., George P. “A Steady Hand” Back in the Day. Oregon Stater, Spring 2008. Vol. 93, No. 2. p. 40.
- ^ Khanna, Roma. "OSU’s new library lets students kick back, plug in", The Oregonian, May 28, 1999.