Kansas State University

Kansas State University (sometimes referred to as K-State) is an institution of higher learning located in Manhattan, Kansas.

History

Kansas State University, originally named Kansas State Agricultural College, was founded on February 16, 1863, as a Land Grant institution under the Morrill Act. The school was the first Land Grant college created under the Morrill Act in the country. (Michigan State University claims to be the "oldest Land Grant college" because it predates Kansas State, but MSU was not desginated a Land Grant institution until later.) K-State is the third-oldest school in the Big XII Conference.

Related Topics:
February 16 - 1863 - Land Grant institution - Morrill Act - Michigan State University - Big XII Conference

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The institution was initially located on the grounds of the old Bluemont Central College, which was incorporated by the Kansas Territorial legislature in 1858. The university moved to its present site in 1875.

Related Topics:
1858 - 1875

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The early years of the institution witnessed debate over whether the college should provide a focussed agricultural education or a full liberal arts education. During this era, the tenor of the school shifted with the tenure of the Presidents. For example, President John A. Anderson (1873-1879) favored a limited education and President George T. Fairchild (1879-1897) favored a classic liberal education. The university today offers a full range of majors, but the current President, Jon Wefald, has recently again suggested that the school narrow its focus.

Related Topics:
Liberal arts - John A. Anderson - 1873 - 1879 - George T. Fairchild - 1897 - Jon Wefald

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Recent History

The name of the school was changed in 1927 to Kansas State College, and in 1955, after years of student and faculty pleas, the name was changed again, to Kansas State University, to reflect a growing number of graduate programs. From 1950 to 1975, Dr. James McCain served as President of the university. Buildings, including residence halls and a student union, were added to the campus in the 1950s. The 1960s witnessed demonstrations against the war, as at many universities. Enrollment was relatively high through most of the 1970s, but the university endured a downward spiral from approximately 1976 to 1986, when enrollment decreased to 15,500 and a number of faculty resigned. In 1986, Jon Wefald assumed the presidency of Kansas State University. The university community responded well to Wefald's management style, and enrollment and donations increased under his leadership. Wefald also introduced an innovative student recruitment office and lured students from all of Kansas, the United States and Canada. Wefald also expanded the international student program.

Related Topics:
1927 - 1955 - 1950 - 1975 - Residence hall - 1950s - 1960s - 1970s - 1976 - 1986 - Kansas - United States - Canada

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Historic Buildings

After the school moved to its present location in 1875, Holtz Hall was the first new building erected, in 1876. It is now the oldest free-standing building on campus. The signature building at Kansas State University, Anderson Hall, was erected in three stages between 1877 and 1884. The building, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has housed the University's administrative offices for most of the 20th century.

Related Topics:
1875 - Holtz Hall - 1876 - Anderson Hall - 1877 - 1884 - National Register of Historic Places

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