Historical
Context -
|
| Overview |
Conceptual Framework |
Standard
1 |
Standard
2 |
Standard
3 |
Standard
4 |
Standard
5 |
Standard 6 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| A.1 What is the Institution's Historical Context? Widener University is a private, metropolitan university, having the mission of connecting curricula to civic engagement and social issues. The university is chartered in both Pennsylvania and Delaware. The schools and colleges include: College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Hospitality Management, School of Human Services Professions, School of Law, School of Business Administration, School of Nursing, and University College. Widener University was founded in the State of Delaware in 1821 as the Bullock School (1821-1846), a Quaker primary school. In 1846, the Bullock School was renamed the Alsop School (1846-1853), later Hyatt's Select School for Boys (1853-1859), and then Delaware Military Academy (1859-1862). During the Civil War the Delaware Military Academy moved north of the Mason-Dixon line to the current location of Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania legislature granted the military academy a universal charter on April 8, 1962, and the Delaware Military Academy became the Pennsylvania Military Academy (1862-1892). In 1867 the Pennsylvania Military Academy purchased 20 acres of land in Chester, Pennsylvania. These acres today comprise the core of the university's 100- acre main campus. In 1892, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vested the Pennsylvania Military Academy with collegiate powers and privileges, and its name was changed to the Pennsylvania Military College (1982-1966). In 1966, Pennsylvania Military College officially became Penn Morton Colleges (1966-1972). In 1972 the cadet corps was disbanded. The name Widener College (1972-1979) was adopted in recognition of an important benefactor, Philadelphia's Widener family. A master's degree program in engineering was introduced in 1967, followed by the Master of Business Administration. In 1976 Widener College acquired the Delaware Law School, located in Brandywine, Delaware, only miles south of Wilmington. In recognition of its comprehensive offerings, Widener College became Widener University in 1979 (http://www.widener.edu/about/history.asp). Prior to 1983, the present Center for Education was the Department of Education and reported directly to the Dean of Widener College. In 1983, the Center for Education was founded as a unit of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1991, the Center for Education became one of 4 centers and institutes that now comprise the School of Human Service Professions. The other units within the School of Human Service Professions are: The Center for Physical Therapy, the Center for Social Work Education, and the Institute of Clinical Psychology. Today, Widener University offers 150 programs of study, in the liberal arts and sciences, leading to certificates and associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Widener University campuses now include the 40-acre Brandywine Campus, home to the Widener University School of Law, a branch of University College, and graduate offerings from the School of Business Administration; the Harrisburg Campus which is home to a branch of the School of Law and master's level courses in both nursing and social work; and the Exton Campus, a branch of University College and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The Center for Education offers master's and doctoral level programs at Kutztown University (Reading/Language Arts), Shippensburg University (Educational Leadership), and the Lancaster School District (Educational Leadership). All other academic programs are offered on the Main Campus in Chester, PA. |
| Widener's history |
Widener's mission and vision |
Widener's characteristics |
The Center for Education in
brief |
Overview
of faculty |
Initial teacher
preparation |
Advanced Programs |
Off-campus programs |
