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Coordinates: 40°24′17″N 104°41′48″W / 40.404853°N 104.696741°W
| University of Northern Colorado | |
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| Motto | Sapientia in aeterum est |
| Motto in English | Wisdom is eternal |
| Established | April 1, 1889 |
| Type | Public |
| Endowment | US $110.56 million [1] |
| Chairman | Dick Monfort |
| President | Kay Norton |
| Provost | Abe Harraf |
| Faculty | 413[2] |
| Undergraduates | 10,799[2] |
| Postgraduates | 2,182[2] |
| Location | Greeley, Colorado, United States |
| Campus | Suburban 250 acres (1.0 km2) |
| Former names | Colorado State Normal School Colorado State Teachers College Colorado State College of Education Colorado State College |
| Colors | Navy blue and gold |
| Nickname | Bears |
| Mascot | "Klawz" |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I FCS 19 varsity teams |
| Affiliations | Big Sky Conference |
| Website | www.unco.edu |
| Enrollment figures are as of Fall 2005.[3] | |
The University of Northern Colorado, often called UNC or Northern Colorado is a coeducational public institution of higher education and research located in Greeley, Colorado, USA. The Greeley campus is the primary campus though a satellite campus exists in Lowry, Denver, USA. Established in 1889 as the State Normal School of Colorado, the University has a strong background in educating teachers. The State Normal School was the third public institution of higher education in Colorado. In 1970 legislation passed that changed the name of the School to the University of Northern Colorado to reflect the institution's expanded roles and academic offerings. The university offers over 100 undergraduate programs in the fields of arts, sciences, humanities, business, human sciences, and education. Undergraduate degrees are typically 4 year programs and degree programs have a strong emphasis in liberal arts education. The university offers more than 100 graduate programs primarily in the field of education. Academic programs are distributed among 5 colleges.[4]
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History
The history of The University of Northern Colorado begins in the late 1880, when citizens of the town of Greeley, Colorado petitioned the Colorado Government to create a school for the education of Teachers in their community. In April 1889 Governor Cooper signed a Senate Bill establishing the Colorado State Normal School. Classes began in October of the next year. Since then the institution that is now known as the University of Northern Colorado has been through many changes in focus, architecture, and student ideals.[5]
The University of Northern Colorado opened on October 6, 1890, as the Colorado State Normal School to train qualified teachers for the state's public schools, with a staff of four instructors and 96 students, offering certification after completing a two-year course. Greeley's citizens raised the necessary money for the first building. At that time, certificates were granted upon the completion of a two-year course. In 1911 the school's name was changed to Colorado State Teachers College and offered bachelor degrees after completion of a four-year course. In 1935 the name changed again to Colorado State College of Education to recognize the graduate program, which was started in 1913. In 1957 the name was shortened to Colorado State College to recognize the further growth of programs and offerings. Finally, in 1970 the name was changed to the current University of Northern Colorado.
Originally Colorado State Normal School was built as just one building, Cranford Hall, which was built in three sections. It once stood right in the middle of what is now called Craford Park in the current Central Campus. It was set fire to in 1949 by a disgruntled theater student who was later arrested for this and several other crimes. The building was repaired, and classes were held there until 1965 when the building was deemed unsafe for classroom use. Many offices were held here until December 1971 when the entire structure became too unsafe to use, and in 1972 the building was demolished. The corner stone was saved and now graces the Northeast corner of the memorial park with 4 commemorative plaques regarding Cranford's significance and legacy in UNC's history.
The south end of Central Campus grew with the addition of Gordon Hall, Belford Hall, and Decker Hall in 1921, which were originally built as female residence halls. Around this time, the current President's Row residence halls were built, but then they were used as faculty housing units. They were built concurrently with the current visitors center, which was originally the University President's Residence. Sabin, Snyder, and Tobey-Kendell halls were added in 1936 when enrollment was growing, and men's residence halls were added on the old 'East Campus.' These halls, Hadden and Hayes, are east of Campus on 6th Avenue. They are no longer used as residence halls, and rumor has it they were originally military barracks, and have since been used to house a mental institution. In the 1950s Weibking Hall, Wilson Hall, and a larger dining space were added on to the already existing Tobey-Kendell Hall to accommodate the large influx of students after the war had ended. In 1997 a plan was passed to update the residence halls and add a few new buildings, including Hansen-Willis residence hall on Central Campus.
In the late 50's the school was becoming too big for its small acreage. Colorado State College, as it was called at that time, began to look for more land. Soon the plan became to expand south west, adding a new library facility, residence halls, and many additional classrooms. The two sides of campus were linked by the 'University Center,' which for many years held a bowling alley, suites for visitors, and even a bar. Today it houses student activity offices, the book store, a food court, and many fast food options to choose from. Plus there is a hair salon and a bank on the first floor, and an large fireside lounge area on the second. There are huge ballrooms that hold many campus events from concerts, to presentations, to job fairs.
The two sides of campus, though geographically separated, are not THAT separated in reality. Together they make up one very strong, cohesive campus that is today's University of Northern Colorado.
Traditions
Fight song
On down the field we go to victory
The colors navy blue and gold.
And to our fighting team, we hold our spirit high.
The mighty Bears are we ....... GO BEARS!!
Fight, fight to win each battle fairly,
The only way we e'er shall be,
We shout out the name,
To bring the fame and glory to old U-N-C!!
Alma mater
Ah! Well I Remember is the alma mater of the University of Northern Colorado. It was written by J. De Forest Cline. The words Purple and Gold refer to the previous colors of the institution. While the current colors are Navy Blue and Gold the alma mater retained the former colors.
Ah! Well I Remember, Friends of “Purple and Gold.”
Friends met in September, Pledging their Faith to hold.
Gone, Friends of September, Gone dear friends of old.
Time never shall sever, Friends of “Purple and Gold.”
Time never shall sever, Friends of “Purple and Gold.”
Campus
The Campus of the University is divided into three main areas: east, central, and west. The University of Northern Colorado's Central Campus includes the section of campus that is north of 20th Street and west of 8th Avenue in Greeley, Colorado. The residence halls on Central Campus constitute a state historic district.[citation needed] Central Campus was the original campus district and contains many other historic structures. UNC's Central Campus was the original part of the campus and currently houses the College of Performing & Visual Arts, Pieces of the College of Natural & Health Science, and the Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business. It all has the Howard Skinner Music Library, Tobey-Kendal Dining Hall and 12 residence halls. Central campus is also the home to administration of UNC.
The West Campus includes the section of campus that is south of 20th Street and west of 10th Avenue. Old Man Mountain is a group of cabins owned by the University located in Estes Park, Colorado. The Center for Urban Education in Lowry, Denver, is a satellite campus focused on providing opportunities for working teachers that are unable to travel to Greeley.
Organization
The University of Northern Colorado offers 100 undergraduate programs and more than 100 graduate programs.[6] The university has a satellite campus in Denver, Colorado
The Board of Trustees for the University oversees the administration and approves the University's annual budget. Several members of the University's administrative team are ex-oficio members of the Board (for example, the Vice President for Finance & Administration is also the Treasurer to the Board).
Presidents
- Thomas J. Gray 1890-1891
- James H. Hayes. Interim 1891, November 11, 1915-1916
- Zachariah Xenophon Snyder. 1891-1915
- John Grant Crabbe. Late summer 1916-1924
- George Willard Frasier. 1924-1947
- William Robert Ross. 1947-1964 (assumed office December 20, 1947)
- Darrell Holmes. 1964-1971
- Frank P. Lakin. 1969, 1971 Interim President
- Richard R. Bond. 1971-1981
- Charles Manning, Acting President. 1981
- Robert C. Dickeson. 1981-1991
- Richard Davies. 1987 Acting President January 1-August 29, 1987
- Stephen T. Hulbert. 1991 Interim President July 1-September 30, 1991
- Herman Lujan. 1991-1996
- Howard Skinner. Interim President June 1996-June 1998
- Hank Brown. July 1998-June 2002
- Kay Norton. July 2002 -
Current trustees
- Dick Monfort, Chairman
- Kevin Smith
- Dr. Gilbert (Gil) Carbajal
- Jerry Morgensen
- Dr. Darlene LeDoux
- Carlotta Lanier
- Dr. Joan Clinefelter
- Matthew Vandriel[7]
Academic profile
By enrollment, The University of Northern Colorado is the third largest university in Colorado. It had a Fall 2008 enrollment of 9,857 undergraduate and 2,074 graduate students. In that year most of the students came from Colorado but the student population represents 48 states, three territories, 42 countries, and six continents. The Student population is 62% female and 38% male. 15% of students identified themselves as "minorities." Typically, 96% of undergraduates are employed or attending graduate school one year after graduating from the University of Northern Colorado.[8]
Colleges and schools
In August of 2003, President Kay Norton began a planning and reorganization process to guide the University. On of the outcomes of that process was to re-organize the University into five colleges of approximately equal size. Within each college are several schools that administer the various academic programs. [9]
- College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
- School of Educational Research Leadership and Technology;
- School of Psychological Sciences
- School of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education
- School of Special Education; and Teacher Education
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Communication
- School of English Language and Literature
- School of History, Philosophy, and Political Science
- School of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies
- School of Social Sciences
- College of Natural and Health Sciences
- School of Biological Sciences
- School of Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics
- School of Human Sciences
- School of Mathematical Sciences
- School of Nursing
- School of Sport and Exercise Science
- College of Performing and Visual Arts
- School of Art and Design
- School of Music
- School of Theatre Arts and Dance
- Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business
- School of Accounting and Computer Information Systems
- School of Finance and Quantitative Methods
- School of Management and Marketing
Libraries
James A. Michener Library
The University of Northern Colorado’s main library houses approximately 1.8 million items including books, periodicals, government publications, CDs, videos, DVDs and maps. It is named after author James A. Michener, who received his master's degree from and taught at the university before beginning his writing career. Michener bequeathed the majority of his literary legacy to the university upon his death. The reference desk at the library is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays.
Howard M. Skinner Music Library
Skinner Library specializes in curricular support of the School of Music and Musical Theatre Programs. Its collections, comprising more than 90,000 musical scores, books, periodicals and recordings, are housed in a state-of-the-art facility that opened in October 1997. =
Student life
Greek Life
Traditional Sororities: Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Phi, Delta Zeta, Sigma Kappa,
Traditional Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Lambda, Delta Sigma Phi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Chi.
Multicultural Sororities: Lambda Theta Nu, Pi Lambda Chi, Sigma Lambda Gamma,
Multicultural Fraternities: Sigma Lambda Beta, Nu Alpha Kappa.
Cultural centers
- Asian/Pacific American Student Services
- César Chávez Cultural Center
- Cultural Center
- Native American Student Services
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies Resource Office
- Women's Resource Center
Athletics and traditions
Sports teams at the school are called Bears. Northern Colorado is currently in the fourth year of a four-year process of moving from NCAA’s Division II to Division I (Championship subdivision for football). Northern Colorado joined the Big Sky Conference on July 1, 2006. The school mascot is Klawz the Bear and the school colors are Navy Blue and Gold. The Fight Song is simply the “UNC Fight Song”.
The Northern Colorado Bears won national championships in football in 1996 and 1997 while a member of NCAA’s Division II North Central Conference.
Student housing
The University of Northern Colorado has 17 student residence halls; twelve on Central Campus and five on West Campus.
Students have a variety of options when "claiming their space" on-campus. Options include, but are not limited to: same-gender communities for males and females, co-educational communities, and even co-educational rooms. Room options include everything from traditional suite-style rooms to fully furnished on-campus apartments.
There is also a variety of "living & learning communities" at UNC, include floors for elementary education majors, performing and visual arts majors, quiet lifestyles, leadership focused and healty-living/wellness.
Northern Colorado Riders
The University of Northern Colorados ski club was started in 2006 by two freshman that moved to Colorado to pursue their love for skiing and snowboarding. This is a non-profit student-run club that provides pro-forms, cheap rides to the mountains, and in-expensive lodging. In three years this club has already grown to having 200 members. Every month, starting one month before ski season and ending at the end of the school year, there are meetings that offer free food, free clothing, and contests. "NCR," as it is often refered to as, does about four trips to the mountains that cost $20 each time.
Athletics
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It has been suggested that University of Northern Colorado Rugby Football Club be merged into this article or section. (Discuss) |
UNC is a member of the Big Sky Conference and competes in NCAA Division I and FCS in football (formerly I-AA). The institution was a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference from 1923-1972. Joining the Great Plains Athletic Conference for four years (1972-76). following several years of being conference independent. The University of Northern Colorado joined the North Central Conference from 1979-2003 at which time they began the transition to NCAA Division I.
Mascots
The bear is the mascot of the UNC. The bear officially became the mascot in 1923. Before the school adopted the bear as their mascot, athletes used the nickname the Teachers.[10] The bear was said to be inspired by a bear on top of an Alaskan totem pole donated by an 1897 alum in 1914. The totem pole was kept in the University Center, but under the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990, the pole was reclaimed by the Tlingit Indians in 2003
The University is considering changing the logo of Northern Colorado to a more modern bear logo. The mascot that parades around the crowd during sports games is named Claws.
Achievements
Normal school
Founded in 1889 as the State Normal School, Northern Colorado met a vital need to train qualified teachers in the growing state of Colorado, which was then less than 15 years old. More than a century and four name changes later, the institution has grown to become a Doctoral Research university. At Northern Colorado's centennial in 1989, only four universities in the U.S. surpassed it in the total number of teachers trained.Larson, Robert. Shaping educational change: the first century of the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley. All current Northern Colorado programs are clustered around an institutional mission devoted to teacher education. Its early dedication to reaching the highest levels of educational excellence, coupled with the generation and dissemination of new pedagogical knowledge, earned Northern Colorado the name “Columbia of the West.”Larson, Robert. Shaping educational change: the first century of the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley. In 1985, the Colorado Legislature took the unique step of designating Northern Colorado as “the primary institution for undergraduate and graduate teacher education in the state of Colorado.”[citation needed]
Monfort College of Business
The Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado offers the only program of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region – focused exclusively on undergraduate business education and internationally accredited in business administration and accounting. One of five undergraduate-only programs in the United States to hold such accreditations, Monfort is the sole business school to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award from the Office of the President of the United States and the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Timberline Award from Colorado Performance Excellence, and the Program of Excellence Award from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Students at Monfort score in the top 5% on nationwide standardized exit exams and earn a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting, computer information systems, finance, general business, management, or marketing.
School of Music
The University of Northern Colorado School of Music is one of the larger and more successful programs within the University and is well-known in the region for its music education and Jazz Studies programs, as well as having one of the first full-scale music technology centers in the country. The Music Education program is incredibly rigorous, and very rewarding. The award-winning Jazz Studies program, reared from infancy by Gene Aitken, is currently led by Grammy-nominated jazz composer/pianist Dana Landry. The program under Landry has received much acclaim in recent years. The Northern Colorado Jazz Lab I under his direction has received the Down Beat magazine award for best college big band in 2005 and 2006. It has also recently become one of a very limited number of schools in the world to offer a doctoral program in jazz, with their Doctor of Arts with an emphasis in Jazz Studies.
Notable alumni
- Steve Antonopulos, head athletic trainer of the Denver Broncos
- Glen Alps, printmaker, coiner of the term collagraph
- Erik Applegate, jazz bassist and composer
- Fred Brown, The Denver Post political writer and columnist
- Jennifer and Natalie Jo Campbell, December Playmates 2008
- Steven Dietz, playwright
- Reed Doughty, football player of the Washington Redskins
- Ben Dreith, American Football League and National Football League referee
- Denny Euprasert, Dean, Rangsit University Conservatory of Music, Thailand
- Mike Fisher, writer and broadcaster
- Bill Frisell, jazz guitarist
- Greg Germann, actor from Ally McBeal
- Marian Hesse, Grammy-winning horn player
- Vincent Jackson, football player of the San Diego Chargers
- Dirk Johnson, football player of the Philadelphia Eagles
- Dave Keller, baseball player and coach
- James P. Kelley, money manager
- Bill Kenney, football player and politician
- Maryanne Kusaka, politician
- Carlotta Walls LaNier, member of the Little Rock Nine
- James A. Michener, author
- Carol Mutter, Marine Corps Lieutenant General
- Brad Nuccio, Senior Vice President of Saint Louis Science Center and Executive Director of National Center for Science
- Mark Nuccio, currently the Assistant Principal and Eb clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic
- Brad Pyatt, former National Football League player and current Arena Football League wide receiver
- Sayyid Qutb, author and a leading Islamist of the 20th century
- Jeannie Ritter, Colorado First Lady
- Neal Rubin, The Detroit News columnist and author of comic strip Gil Thorp.
- Chelsey B. "Sully" Sullenberger, Captian of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, that successfully landed in the Hudson River in 2009, he has a M.A. in Public Relations from UNC
- Aaron Smith, football player of the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tom Tancredo, R-CO, member of United States House of Representatives and presidential candidate.
- Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver
- Ed Werder, reporter for ESPN
- Connie Willis, science fiction author
- Kenneth W. Winters, member of the Kentucky State Senate
- Jack Cassinetto, plein air painter
References
- ^ "[1]".
- ^ a b c "About Northern Colorado". http://www.unco.edu/about_unc/index.html.
- ^ "www.unco.edu/acctservices/instanalysis/pdf/Fall06FactBook.pdf" (PDF). http://www.unco.edu/acctservices/instanalysis/pdf/Fall06FactBook.pdf.
- ^ "www.unco.edu/about_unc/". http://www.unco.edu/about_unc/.
- ^ "www.unco.edu/library/archives/arc_previous_names.htm". http://www.unco.edu/library/archives/arc_previous_names.htm.
- ^ "www.unco.edu/about_unc/index.html". http://www.unco.edu/about_unc/index.html.
- ^ "www.unco.edu/trustees/trustees.htm". http://www.unco.edu/trustees/trustees.htm.
- ^ "About the University of Northern Colorado". http://www.unco.edu/about_unc//.
- ^ "About the Charting the Future Process". University of Northern Colorado. http://www.unco.edu/pres/charting/. Retrieved 2009-09-30.
- ^ Various The Mirrors and Cache La Poudres
Monte Whaley, reporter Denver Post
Further reading
- Albert Frank Carter - "Forty years of Colorado State Teachers College, formerly the State Normal School of Colorado, 1890-1930"
- Larson, Robert W; Boulder: Colorado Associated University Press, (1989). Shaping educational change: the first century of the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley". ISBN 0-87081-172-X.
- Kurt Hinkle - "Northern Light: The Complete History of the University of Northern Colorado Football Program." (1998).
External links
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