A back-to-school feeling filled the air on September 19, 1983 when 18 intrepid graduate students reported to the north wing of Hudson’s Bay High School to begin their first class as students of the Southwest Washington Joint Center for Education. This was the humble beginning of Washington State University Vancouver.

At the time, Southwest Washington was underserved in terms of higher education and Clark County had recognized a need for highly trained people to feed its growing high-tech manufacturing industry. The Joint Center for Education was a collaboration of Clark College, Evergreen State College and Washington State University. It offered graduate courses in engineering and computer science along with some general undergraduate classes.

Four years later, Washington State University began offering classes in Bauer Hall on Clark College’s campus. And in 1989, Washington State University Vancouver was formally established as one of four campuses that make up the Washington State University system. WSU Vancouver served graduate students and upper-division students transferring from community colleges to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

WSU Vancouver moved to its current location in Salmon Creek in 1996. Here, situated on 351 pastoral acres, the university delivers personalized education that enhances the intellectual, creative, and practical abilities of its students, inspiring them to achieve their highest goals. WSU Vancouver expanded its student body and course offerings in fall 2006 when it began serving freshmen and sophomores. Today, WSU Vancouver offers 16 bachelor’s degrees, nine master’s degrees and one doctoral degree.

As a premiere research university, WSU Vancouver’s doctoral teaching scholars address critical challenges in more than 36 fields of study. The work conducted by the faculty and students here has both global and local impact—fueling economic growth and development right here in Southwest Washington.

Amid the basalt columns of our landmark fountains and stunning mountains framed in our outdoor view ways, WSU Vancouver boasts 10 computer labs, a comprehensive library, a 200-seat lecture hall, student commons, art galleries, a bookstore, an outdoor sport court, fitness facilities, walking trails, an outdoor amphitheater and so much more—all of which contributes to a world-class place to learn and grow.

In the coming 20 years, WSU Vancouver will continue to serve the citizens of Southwest Washington and beyond by bringing quality education to the region and working collaboratively to solve issues of greatest concern.

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