1893- The state legislature passes a bill establishing a State Normal
School in the town of New Whatcom, Whatcom County and considers various building sites.
1895- State legislature provides $40,000 to construct a three-story,
36-room building (Old Main).
1899- Legislature appropriates $33,500 for the equipment and
maintenance of the school for two years. Institution opens September 6 with Edward T. Mathes
as Principal.
1901- Institution becomes the State Normal School at Whatcom, as the city
changes its name.
1904- Whatcom and Fairhaven vote to incorporate as Bellingham;
institution
name changes to Washington State Normal School at Bellingham.
1914- George W. Nash appointed to replace Mathes, adopts the title "President."
1922- Dwight B. Waldo appointed President
1923- Charles H. Fisher appointed President.
1928- College library built.
1933- Institution authorized to grant Bachelor of Arts in Education.
1937- Names changes to Western Washington College of Education. Four-year
education now officially the standard for students.
1939- President Fisher terminated by Board of Trustees and Gov. Clarence D. Martin
following a campaign condemning him as anti-American and un-Christian,
setting off a storm in educational circles. Western Professor William W. Haggard
appointed President.
1941- Attendance drops nearly 50 percent as the United States enters
World War II.
