History of the College of Education

The College of Education is part of NC State University. The University was established in 1889. By 1903, the University was offering normal courses (teacher preparation) and a summer school for teachers.

A Department of Education became part of the University in 1924 and the School of Education was established in 1927. After cutbacks during the Depression, the School of Education was reestablished in 1948 and included Agricultural Education, Psychology, Industrial Arts, Industrial Education, Recreation, Occupational Information and Guidance. By 1952, Mathematics and Science Education were added along with the Learning Resources Library. In 1960, the College became accredited through NCATE and has remained in good standing with NCATE ever since.

Doctoral programs were established in 1967, including Adult and Continuing Education. Poe Hall was dedicated in 1971, and Curriculum and Instruction and Graphic Communications became part of the College in the 1970s. Elementary Education was established as a department in May 2007.

The Teaching Fellows Program began in 1987. Past deans and leaders of the College include: T. E. Browne, J. Bryant Kirkland, Carl J. Dolce and Joan Michael.

The College presently has four departments with numerous programs within those departments and approximately 1100 graduate students and 900 undergraduate students. The College also added the William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation in fall of 2005.