Looking Forward to Another 100 Years
Like the 206-foot-tall gothic bell tower on The University of Toledo’s Main Campus, the strength and significance of the College of Arts and Sciences is recognized throughout northwest Ohio. As the college celebrates its 100th anniversary, staff, students and the community are honoring the success of the past and celebrating the excitement of future endeavors.
With 45 major programs and 45 minor areas of study, 17 interdisciplinary programs, and pre-professional programs for students in legal and medical fields, the College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college on campus.
And it all began in 1909 with 27 departments.
Nurturing the Arts and Sciences
When the College of Arts and Sciences was founded 100 years ago, it was the second college at UT. Its doors opened to Toledo men and women who received free tuition. Residents outside the city paid $5 to $15 a quarter.
Despite funding struggles, the Great Depression, and four major wars, the University and college survived and thrived. As the student population increased, the college expanded its facilities from University Hall to buildings and labs across campuses.
Binding of the past and future
As leaders did in the past, UT is helping the community face economic struggles head on. With 19 academic departments, 10 research centers and institutes, and continued community outreach efforts, the leaders of the College of Arts and Sciences are turning economic hardships into opportunities with a 21st century way of thinking.
“Just like the world and business are evolving, education is changing. And at UT, we’re actually helping create these changes,” says Nina McClelland, PhD, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “In arts and sciences, we are focusing largely on critical needs, such as solar power technology, renewable energy and sustainability.”
Breeding excellence
The personal success stories coming out of the College of Arts and Sciences are staggering. A NASA physicist, a Grammy Award-winning composer, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and a CNN anchor are just a few College of Arts and Sciences graduates who received outstanding public recognition.
And stories of UT graduates can be found around the globe.
“UT undergraduate students are required to take courses within the College of Arts and Sciences to help broaden their scope of knowledge and perspective,” says Dr. McClelland. “Every student who has graduated with a bachelor’s degree from UT has been touched by the College of Arts and Sciences.”
As the college celebrates 100 years of excellence, Dr. McClelland says they have a tremendous vision for the future of education, outreach and research.
To learn how you can start creating your future in the College of Arts and Sciences, call (877) 451-2299.
