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.
The Beginning of the School of Education
Explore how the School of Education began in 1924.
The First Faculty
Learn about the visionary leaders who started the School of Education and their roles in the department.
Women of Color, 1924-1928
Meet the first women of color to graduate from the School of Education.
Demonstration School
Learn more about the School of Education's demonstration school.
Important documents in School of Education history
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.
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.
U. of R. Campus, September 19, 1924, front page story marking the opening of the School of Education.
Faculty in School of Education history
First director and professor of the School of Education, Dr. Iwar Sigurd Westerberg, 1923-1942. From La Letra, 1925.
Second faculty member to join the SOE, John Broadus Hathorn (1925-27). From La Letra, 1927.
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.
The first woman faculty member to join the SOE, Elizabeth Hidden (1926-52). From La Letra, 1927.
Replacing Hathorn, Dr. Louis J. Neidert (1927-35). From La Letra, 1928.
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.
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.
School of Education faculty member Dr. Nancy Hensel, who was at the university 1977-1992. University Archives, Armacost Library, University of Redlands.
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.
School of Education 2024 centennial event highlights
Jan. 25 - Centennial Kick-Off Dinner
The School of Education celebrated its first 100 years with its Centennial Kick-Off Dinner. Attendees paused to reflect on its legacy while looking forward to the next century, honored alumni and faculty, and learned about some events in the school’s history from Professor Pauline Reynolds.
Feb. 23 - AI in Education & Counseling Summit
Thought leaders, educators and counseling professionals converged for a summit on how AI is impacting learning experiences and counseling services, and shaping the future of academic support.
May 23 - Celebration of Alumni & Community Members
This event honored the achievements and impact of School of Education alumni, faculty, staff and community members.
July 10 - Superintendents’ Forum
The School of Education hosted a superintendents' forum themed "Rounding Up the Current Critical Challenges in K-12 Education" with superintendents from several Southern California school districts.
Sept. 17 - 100th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
The School of Education celebrated its milestone year and the lasting contributions of those connected to and transformed by the school. Learning Policy Institute President and CEO Linda Darling Hammond was the special guest.
Sept. 29 - Vibe Health and Wellness Festival
School of Education Professor Janee Both Gragg's Alliance for Community Transformation & Wellness held the Vibe Health and Wellness Festival to educate about and support wellness and mental health.