|
Description
Keene State College, New Hampshire’s foremost public liberal arts college, celebrates its centennial in 2009 as a dynamic institution offering nearly 40 majors in the
liberal arts and sciences, professional programs, and selected graduate degrees. Recognizing that a true education engages the whole person, Keene State challenges
students to develop the habits of mind and character that prepare them for productive lives and work. Keene State draws on strong academic programs, faculty scholars,
and a tradition of small classes and spirited inquiry. The College’s commitment to academic excellence is founded on integrative learning for all students. Rich and varied
cocurricular experiences move the classroom into the community and the world, making the College motto, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve,” a touchstone in the lives of students and alumni. Students who walk down Appian Way, the campus thoroughfare, find civility, diversity, and collegiality among students, faculty, and staff. The attractive residential campus in the heart of the small New England city of Keene opens students' lives to a world of possibilities.
Mission
Keene State College prepares promising students to think critically and creatively, to engage in active citizenship, and to pursue meaningful work. As the public liberal arts college of New Hampshire, we offer an enriching campus community and achieve academic excellence through the integration of teaching, learning, scholarship, and service.
Campus Values
Our liberal arts mission dedicates us to the development of knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of our changing world. As a public institution, we provide educational opportunities for all qualified students and continue our heritage of service to New Hampshire and the New England region.
We value
- all members of our community: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends
- strong relationships among students, faculty, and staff
- excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship
- commitment to learning and cultural enrichment
- social justice and equity in our community and in our curriculum
- educational challenge and support for a wide range of learners
- physical and financial access and support
- balanced development of mind, body, and character
- diversity, civility, and respect
- civic engagement and service to the community
- environmental stewardship and sustainability
- partnerships that enhance the quality of life in the Monadnock region, New Hampshire, and the world
- an attractive campus that inspires and supports inquiry, reflection, and social interaction.
History
On April 9, 1909, New Hampshire Governor Henry B. Quinby signed legislation creating Keene Normal School, known today as Keene State College. With Jeremiah M. Rhodes as principal, the College opened on September 28 with 27 students enrolled. Programs in secondary education, trades and industries, and home economics were added under President Wallace E. Mason. In 1926, the New Hampshire Legislature granted the school authority to award the bachelor of education degree.
The curricula expanded into four-year programs by 1939, when the institution was officially named Keene Teachers College. Dr. Lloyd P. Young became president and served for 25 years. Graduate studies were introduced through summer sessions and extension courses following World War II and, by 1951, graduate offerings warranted the granting of the Master of Education degree.
In 1963, the College was named Keene State College and became an affiliate of the University System of New Hampshire. In that same year, the state legislature authorized the College to develop curricula in the liberal arts and sciences leading to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
- Dr. Roman J. Zorn became president in 1964 and served until 1969.
- Associate in Science degree programs began in 1968 and the Associate in Arts in General Studies was introduced in 1974.
- Dr. Leo F. Redfern was named the College’s fifth president in 1969 and served until August 1979.
- Dr. William E. Whybrew served as interim president during the 1979-80 academic year.
- Dr. Barbara J. Seelye became the sixth president in 1980 and served until 1986.
- Dr. Richard E. Cunningham served as interim president during the 1986-87 academic year.
- Dr. Judith A. Sturnick became president in August 1987 and served until September 1993.
- Dr. Richard E. Cunningham again served as interim president for the 1993-94 academic year.
- Dr. Stanley J. Yarosewick became the eighth president of Keene State College on August 1, 1994.
- Dr. Helen F. Giles-Gee became the ninth president of Keene State College on July 1, 2005.
The campus is located on Main Street in Keene (population 25,000), a small New England city chartered in 1753. Keene is surrounded by hills arising from the Connecticut River, while Mount Monadnock overlooks the city from 18 miles to the southeast. From its original 20 acres, the campus has expanded to 150 acres, with 70 buildings of traditional and contemporary architecture. Three of the buildings are registered as National Historic Landmarks. The College also owns a camp on Wilson Pond in nearby Swanzey and the 400-acre Louis Cabot Preserve on Lake Nubanusit in the towns of Nelson and Hancock.
Keene State College currently has an enrollment of 5,282 full- and part-time students and offers nearly 40 major programs of study, as well as individualized study, cooperative education, and study abroad.
Accreditation
Keene State College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., a nongovernmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated
institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions offering postgraduate instruction.
Accreditation of an institution by the New England Association indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the New England Association is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of the quality of every course or
program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding the status of an institution’s accreditation by the New England Association should be directed to the administrative staff of the school or college. Individuals may also contact the Association:
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
209 Burlington Rd.
Bedford, MA 01730
781-271-0022
In addition, Keene State is accredited by the New Hampshire State Board of Education, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the National Association of Schools of Music, and the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. (See Athletic Training Program for related information.)
Program Assessment
Keene State is committed to fostering student academic achievement, and Keene State students are expected to participate in the college’s assessment efforts. To meet this commitment and responsibility, the College randomly selects student work for the purposes of assessing the effectiveness of academic programs. Work selected will be reviewed only by faculty responsible for assessing the effectiveness of academic programs and shared with faculty responsible for academic planning. Student confidentiality will be maintained.
|
