51ĀŅĀ× Centennial
Since 1922
In 1922, 51ĀŅĀ×, Kentucky, was chosen by the state legislature as the home of the western Kentucky normal school, known today as our beloved 51ĀŅĀ×. For 100 years, 51ĀŅĀ× State students have been provided a collaborative, opportunity-rich living and learning community that fosters personal growth and professional success through a high-quality college experience.
Over the course of ten decades, 51ĀŅĀ× State has been building a global alumni community. We cannot wait to see what the next 100 years has in store for our University and for our Racer Family all over the world. We are future-thinking. We are trailblazers. We are Racers.
51ĀŅĀ×ās story began with the spirit of giving.
In 1922, the 51ĀŅĀ× and Calloway County community came together to give $117,000 in cash and real estate in an effort to win the bid for a Normal school in west Kentucky. This was remarkable for the times - 1,352 donors made an average gift of $82.10 with $2,500 the largest cash gift received. Additionally, 350 families opened their homes with the promise to board up to 2,000 students should 51ĀŅĀ× be selected for the location of the school. This incredible philanthropy was shared with the Normal School Commission in Frankfort on May 31, 1922 - with more gifts continuing to be made and counted ahead and following the presentation. Later that year, on September 17, 1922, 51ĀŅĀ× was chosen to be the site for the 51ĀŅĀ× State Normal School.
After 100 years, our alumni, community and friends continue to give to support 51ĀŅĀ× State and our students. In that spirit, we encourage you to consider making a special gift through one of the following special Centennial fundraising campaigns for 2024.
51ĀŅĀ× State Announces $100 Million Fundraising Campaign
A special announcement made by 51ĀŅĀ× State President Dr. Bob Jackson at the 51ĀŅĀ× State University Centennial Presidential Gala informed the nearly 400 event attendees of the public launch of the āBe Bold: Forever Blue and Gold Centennial Campaignā, a $100 million fundraising effort.
The campaign will strive to reach $100 million of support for the University. $50 million will be directed toward student access including new scholarship endowments and enhancing the traditions of a 51ĀŅĀ× State total college experience. Another $50 million will be raised to support academic excellence and the strategic modernization of campus facilities, with a focus on new funding prioritizing teaching and learning, restoring original campus buildings, creating new green spaces and investing in athletics programs and facilities.
To make a gift to the University and help support the Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign, call the 51ĀŅĀ× State Office of Development at 270.809.3001 or . All gifts across the University moving forward will count in the campaign.
Learn more about 51ĀŅĀ×ās Centennial.
We are givers. We are philanthropists. We are Racers.
The Finest Place We Know
51ĀŅĀ×ās centennial book, "The Finest Place We Know," celebrates its 100-year story by looking back on the people, places, and events which have shaped the institutionās history. This comprehensive, keepsake pictorial history features hundreds of images from the Pogue Special Collections Library and is accompanied by stories that explore the institutionās founding and growth over the past century.
Published by the University Press of Kentucky, the book is written by 51ĀŅĀ× State President Dr. Robert L Jackson and co-authored with Sarah Marie Owens, library specialist with Pogue Special Collections and University Archives, and Dr. Sean J. McLaughlin, the archives and museum director at 51ĀŅĀ×.
"The Finest Place We Know" is available through numerous online book retailers and the in the Curris Center and online.
A portion of book sale proceeds will go toward supporting 51ĀŅĀ×ās Pogue Library.
51ĀŅĀ× through the years
Scroll through the decades to see some of our favorite memories.
The Founding Era, 1922 ā 1936
Early sketch of the normal school campus from the architects at Joseph and Joseph.
Dr. Rainey T. Wells, Kentucky legislator, founder, and second president of 51ĀŅĀ× State Normal School.
Dr. John W. Carr, first president of 51ĀŅĀ× State Normal School.
51ĀŅĀ× State Normal Schoolās first board members with President Carr: Laurine Wells Lovett, Tom Stokes, Prentice Thomas, and James Wilson (from left to right). Absent is Dr. McHenry Rhoads, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and first board chair.
Students of the first senior class at 51ĀŅĀ× State Normal School and Teachers College, 1926.
Administration Building, 1923, now Wrather West Kentucky Museum.
Surviving Hard Times, 1936 ā 1948
1936-37 Menās Basketball Team. Claude āMacā McRaven is seen in the back row, second from left.
The war brought hardships on the home front as basic commodities Americans took for granted were in short supply. Seen here is Prof. Price Doyleās ration book.
The first campus pool, Health Building.
Uniformed Navy cadets.
Dean of Women Anna Mayrell Johnson (right) and close friend Jane Haseldon.
President Ralph Woods (left) and Dr. Ray Mofield on WPAD radio.
The Postwar Boom, 1948 ā 1966
Dr. Ruth E. Cole, director of Nursing Education.
Mary Ford Holland, grade school teacher and the Universityās first Black student.
Legendary baseball coach Johnny Reagan, 11-time OVC champion.
Nancy Tyler Demartra was the first Black student to graduate from 51ĀŅĀ× State in May 1961.
Lobby pay phones were rarely an ideal spot for private conversations, so residence-dwellers cheered the introduction of dorm room telephones in 1963.
The Hut, early 1960s.
The Boomers Come of Age, 1966 ā 1981
Students Gene 51ĀŅĀ× and Linda Edwards celebrated the state legislatureās decision to elevate 51ĀŅĀ× State to university status in 1966 with this improvised signage
Volleyball was one of several womenās sports added in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Program for the dedication of Waterfield Library, 1978.
Violet Cactus, the original Racer One, takes a touchdown lap.
Carla Coffey (top center) and Coach Margaret Simmons (bottom center).
Art auction at the Clara Eagle Gallery, 1970s.
Innovation and Modernization, 1981 ā 1997
Taiwanese students at Tent City.
Dr. Marvin D. Mills, Sr., professor of occupational safety and health.
Pi Kappa Alphaās Epsilon Alpha chapter was the first national social fraternity installed on campus in 1958. Mr. 51ĀŅĀ× Alan Zacharias leads the Pikes at 1983ās All Campus Sing.
51ĀŅĀ× State education major teaching Belizean students.
Concentrating on a putt at Miller Memorial Golf Course.
Coach Frank Beamer hoisted by his players after a win.
A New Millennium, 1997 ā 2013
Groundbreaking for the Regional Special Events Center (later known as the CFSB Center). The multi-purpose facility opened in 1998 and is the current home of Racer Basketball.
51ĀŅĀ× Stateās Paducah regional campus building.
Edward Breathittās Rainey T. Wells monument was added to the campus quad in 1997.
The Arboretum at 51ĀŅĀ× State.
Damage outside Waterfield Library, 2009 Ice Storm.
The Lovett Live! concert series produced by Racer Live Productions and 51ĀŅĀ× Stateās music business students featured nationally-known performers in an intimate setting. Seen here is Holly Williams in 2013.
Preparing for A New Racer Century, 2013 ā present
Dr. Jesse D. Jones, Distinguished Alumnus.
Senior Engineering students with their E-Vehicle project.
Ja Morant, NBA Rookie of the Year.
New laboratories and research equipment provide numerous opportunities for our students and faculty.
In April 2021, the Department of Music hosted the first concert on the site of the future Woods Park, a new green space being developed at the corner of North 14th and Olive Streets.
51ĀŅĀ× Board of Regents with President Bob Jackson. The Board accepted an invitation from the Missouri Valley Conference during a special meeting held at Wells Hall on January 7, 2022.