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Discover more about the University of Redlands.

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History

Founded in 1907, the U of R community celebrates 100+ years of legacy and educational impact.

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Centennial
School of Ed history cover photo
Redlands
Academics
Colleges and Schools
Back to  School of Education
Centennial

School of Education: Serving Educators and Students Since 1924

Centennial History Project

This page is a digital archive of how the School of Education has impacted individuals for the past century, as well as how it has shaped University of Redlands, the Inland Empire, the state of California, and beyond.

University of Redlands launched the School of Education Centennial History Project to honor a century of commitment to transformative learning, equity, and innovation in education. This project reflects on the School's enduring mission to empower educators, advance research, and serve diverse communities. Knowing the stories of people is central to knowing history and deepening culture. This initiative not only celebrates the rich legacy of the past but also focuses on shaping the future of education through enhanced programs, strengthened partnerships, and a renewed dedication to fostering social justice and inclusion. By bridging its storied history with forward-looking goals, the Centennial Project seeks to inspire the next generation of learners, leaders, and change-makers.

Masthead photo courtesy of the California State Archives.

Campus.Sept19.1924 - 1536 x1152

The Beginning of the School of Education

Explore how the School of Education began in 1924.
Westerberg.LL.1925 - 1536 x1152

The First Faculty

Learn about the visionary leaders who started the School of Education and their roles in the department.
HenriettaFreeman - 1536 x1152

Women of Color, 1924-1928

Meet the first women of color to graduate from the School of Education.
Demonstration school image

Demonstration School

Learn more about the School of Education's demonstration school.

Important documents in School of Education history

Discover the rich histroy of the University of Redlands School of Education.

Connect with the University of Redlands School of Education
SOE accreditation

School of Education’s accreditation

Excerpt from the State Board of Education minutes, January 1924, with the penciled note concerning the School of Education’s accreditation. From California State Archives, Sacramento.
SOE start

Start of the School of Education

First page of Westerberg’s handwritten memo describing the start of the School of Education, circa 1934. From School of Education holdings, University Archives, Armacost Library, University of Redlands.
SOE opening

University of Redlands, School of Education opens

U. of R. Campus, September 19, 1924, front page story marking the opening of the School of Education.

Faculty in School of Education history

Discover the rich histroy of the University of Redlands School of Education Faculty.

Connect with the University of Redlands School of Education
SOE Westerberg

Dr. Iwar Sigurd Westerberg

First director and professor of the School of Education, Dr. Iwar Sigurd Westerberg, 1923-1942. From La Letra, 1925.
SEO Hathorn

John Broadus Hathorn

Second faculty member to join the SOE, John Broadus Hathorn (1925-27). From La Letra, 1927.
SOE spoof

Hathorn lampooned

Hathorn was lampooned in the spoof edition of the student paper that Spring as a cigar smoking baby. From U. of R. Campus, April 28, 1926.
SOE Hidden

Elizabeth Hidden

The first woman faculty member to join the SOE, Elizabeth Hidden (1926-52). From La Letra, 1927.
SOE Neidert

Dr. Louis J. Neidert

Replacing Hathorn, Dr. Louis J. Neidert (1927-35). From La Letra, 1928.
SOE Hensel

Dr. Nancy Hensel

School of Education faculty member Dr. Nancy Hensel, who was at the university 1977-1992. University Archives, Armacost Library, University of Redlands.

Faculty Group Achievements in School of Education history

Take a look back at the Faculty Achievements in School of Education history

Connect with the University of Redlands School of Education
SOE Tolle

Professor Vernon Tolle

A SOE summer course, 1950. Director of the SOE, Professor Vernon Tolle (far right) grins at the camera, while Helen Heffernan, chief of the Division for Elementary Education for the State Department of Education in California, speaks (center in black). University of the Redlands Elementary Education Photograph, California Dept. of Education Records, F3933:85(67), California State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State.
SOE Combs

Stanley Combs

Stanley Combs reviews the prototype NASA Spacemobile based on his suggestions to evolve from a van to a more futuristic model which allowed people to see the models in the moving educational program inside the vehicle. University Archives, Armacost Library, University of Redlands.
SOE reopening faculty

SOE Reopening Faculty

The reopened School of Education faculty and their first dean (circa 2001-2002). Front row, left to right: Joe Castino, Dean William Stanley, Kimberley Yang, and Ron Morgan. Back row, let to right: Bob Denham, Barbara Landau, Carol Ann Franklin, Justin Saldana, Margo Drallos, Diana Stephens, VeraLynn MacDonald, Troy Sheffield and Robert Boehm. Missing were Helen Anderson-Cruz, Barry Pulliam and Marjo Mitsutomi.