The school opened in June 1911, although a previous institution dated from the late 19th century. The college has an enrollment of about 3,000 students. Five of its 25 major buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
History
Chadron State College was founded in 1909 by the Nebraska Legislature to provide a higher education institution in northwest Nebraska. The Board of Education of State Normal Schools selected Chadron as the location of its fourth institution in January 1910. The school opened in June 1911.
Presidents
The college has had fourteen presidents since its founding:[2][3]
In late July 2006, the college was in danger of damage from a wildfire. The Spotted Tail fire was caused by a lightning strike on July 26 about seven miles (11 km) south of Chadron. By July 28, the wildfire reached the edge of Chadron and the college campus. Fire crews prevented the wildfire from reaching the campus. The Pine Ridge escarpment south of the college, including C-Hill, was deforested as a result of the fire.
Facilities
The 281-acre (114 ha) campus has 25 major buildings, five of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Their replacement value is more than $60 million and they provide more than 1 million square feet (92,900 square meters) of floor space. Classrooms, laboratory, and research facilities are available in seven classroom buildings and the library.
The library contains the equivalent of more than 250,000 volumes. Its automated catalogue is part of the Nebraska State College network.
Since the 1980s, the college has built several new facilities, including the Edwin and Avis Nelson Physical Activity Center, a wood-fired heating plant, the Student Center, the Lindeken-Carillon Clock Tower, a softball field, the Chicoine Center athletic facility, the Eagle Ridge housing complex, and the Rangeland Complex. An outdoor track is under construction as of 2020. Multiple buildings have been renovated since 2004, including Joseph Sparks Hall, which houses administrative and alumni offices; Edna Work Hall, a dormitory; the former Administration Building, now called Old Admin, which houses academic programs and classrooms; and Don Beebe Stadium, including the rebuilt Con Marshall Press Box and Elliott Field. The college's Math Science Building is currently being renovated and is planning to be reopened Spring 2022.
Students can live in seven housing spaces.
Buildings
Crites Hall, one of the buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings on CampusEdna Work HallJoseph Sparks HallMari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, formerly the college library
Ross Armstrong Gymnasium (1964; athletics, secondary indoor competition space)
Softball field (2006)
Student Center and Lindeken-Carillon Clock Tower (1990; apparel store, cafeteria, meeting rooms, ballroom)
Former campus buildings
Barton Kline Campus Center (former student center)
West Court (apartments)
Academics
Adelaide Miller Hall
Chadron State College is the only four-year and graduate-degree granting college in western Nebraska; it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission with some programs and academic units also accredited by discipline-specific organizations.[5] It offers more than 49 majors leading to bachelor's degrees and 8 professional studies options. Pre-professional programs in the health sciences are available, including the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) conducted jointly with the University of Nebraska Medical Center.[6]
Training is offered in several academic and pre-professional programs. The academic areas are divided into the School of Liberal Arts; the School of Business, Mathematics, and Science; and the School of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences.[7] The college offers four-year degrees as well as graduate programs leading to master's degrees. Pre-professional training is offered for careers in medicine and law.
Through its distance learning programs, the college provides off-campus and online services throughout western Nebraska. Courses are available each semester in Scottsbluff at Western Nebraska Community College or the Panhandle Education Center. Courses also are offered at Alliance, North Platte, and Sidney.
Chadron State College offers courses and workshops each summer. The college has online classes available throughout the year.
Student life
There are more than 50 student clubs and organizations on campus. Athletes have earned 97 All-American[clarification needed] and 38 Academic All-American/Scholar-Athlete[clarification needed] honors since 1980. In addition, the college has an Army ROTC program and a rodeo team.
The college helps support the Post Playhouse at nearby Fort Robinson each summer. The Galaxy Series and Distinguished Speaker Series have brought noted entertainers and speakers to the college, including 2005 U.S. Poet LaureateTed Kooser.
Chadron State College, whose athletic teams are known as the Eagles, competes in the National Collegiate Athletic AssociationDivision II. Chadron State sponsors 12 varsity athletic teams: men's and women's basketball; men's and women's cross country; football; women's golf; softball; men's and women's track and field; women's volleyball; and men's and women's wrestling.
