Our History

The College of Education at Kansas State can trace its lineage back to courses in vocational education, which were begun in the late 1890's. In 1900, a Department of Rural and Vocational Education, headed by Edwin L. Holton, was established. Professor Holton also served as Director of the summer school programs.

For the next fifty years, teacher education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels was offered by the Department of Education within the Division of Arts and Sciences. The Department's primary function was service, as it offered no undergraduate degrees, due, in part, to the existence of "normal schools" in Emporia, Pittsburg, and Hays, whose primary emphasis was teacher education.

It wasn't until 1950 that the Board of Regents authorized a teacher education program at Kansas State; but by 1954, the program had achieved full accreditation from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. In 1962, a School of Education, with budgetary ties to the College of Arts and Sciences, was created; William H. Coffield was named as the first Dean of Education. In 1965, the Board of Regents approved the establishment of the College of Education as an independent academic unit, offering Bachelor of Science (elementary and secondary) and Master of Science degrees. Three years later, the College's highly visible Ph.D. programs were launched, followed by approval to offer Doctor of Education degrees.


K-State Preparation of Professional Educators Timeline

  • 1900 – First professional education course, Professional Education Theory (required for a Kansas Teacher Certificate) offered in the Department of English and Philosophy.
  • 1912 – Several education courses offered in the new Department of Rural and Vocational Education; Edwin I. Holton named head of the department.
  • 1913 – New Department of Education in the School of Arts and Sciences is created.
  • 1924 – Education Hall becomes home to the Department of Education.
  • 1946 – New combined Department of Education and Psychology created in the School of Arts and Sciences; H. Lehigh Baker is named head of the department.
  • 1950 – Education Hall renamed Holton Hall.
  • 1951 – Department of Education and Psychology separated into two departments; Finis M. Green named head of the Department of Education.
  • 1964 – Department of Education becomes School of Education.
  • 1965 – School of Education becomes College of Education; William H. Coffield named first dean of the college.
  • 1966 – James McComas named second dean of the college.
  • 1969 – Samuel R. Keys named third dean of the college.
  • 1976 – Jordan B. Utsey named fourth dean of the college.
  • 1981 – Bluemont Hall becomes new home to the College of Education.
  • 1984 – David Byrne named fifth dean of the college.
  • 1990 – Michael C. Holen named sixth dean of the college.
  • 2012 – Debbie Mercer named seventh dean of the college.