LSU College of Education Celebrates 100th Anniversary

George Peabody Hall, home of the LSU College of Education

February 27, 2008 — To celebrate its first 100 years, the LSU College of Education is hosting a kick-off event at the LSU Stadium Club on Friday, March 7, 2008. LSU System President John Lombardi will serve as the Centennial Ceremony speaker.

In addition to the evening celebration, the college is hosting a student-focused campus ceremony at Peabody Hall East Courtyard on Wednesday, March 5 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Throughout the 2008-09 anniversary year, a series of events will continue to commemorate the Centennial, such as a special lecture series, visiting scholars, and nation-wide alumni celebrations.

Originally named the “Teachers’ College,” the LSU College of Education was founded in 1908 with two faculty members. By 1915, the college had added a demonstration school. Since its beginning, the college has prepared thousands of educational leaders, including supervisors, principals, superintendents, and university faculty and administrators.

In 1939, the college expanded to include the School of Health & Physical Education, now named the Department of Kinesiology. This department, originally focused on teacher education, has now expanded to include nationally and internationally recognized research and scholarship programs. These programs generate and disseminate knowledge about all aspects of the art and science of human movement.

Today the college is a collaborative unit that prepares educational and wellness professionals. With oversight responsibilities for various professional certification programs spanning four colleges and one school, the college also oversees the K-12 University Laboratory School, which has been ranked among the nation’s top 2.5 percent of public high schools by Newsweek and which houses the state’s first international baccalaureate program.

“The LSU College of Education’s centennial offers an opportunity to recognize the tradition of achievement and to commit our resources and our imagination to designing the programs and preparing the leaders who will help maintain the competitive performance of our nation,” said LSU System President John Lombardi.

The College of Education now employs more than 200 faculty and professional staff to provide rigorous academic programs highlighted by challenging, rich, and collaborative experiences.

The LSU College of Education is supported by the goals of the Forever LSU Campaign. The Campaign’s goal is to gain $750 million in support for LSU by the end of the year 2010. For more information about the kick-off celebration, visit www.lsu.edu/coe.