History

Colorado State University's roots go back to 1870, when the institution was founded as the Agricultural College of Colorado. The school first opened its doors to students in 1879 with President Elijah Edwards and two faculty members. From these humble origins, a world-class institution grew. Today, Colorado State University has more than 22,000 students, is a Carnegie Class I research institution with annual research expenditures topping $138 million. The university has approximately 1,400 faculty in eight colleges and 55 academic departments and boasts more than 116,000 living alumni. Included in this list are everything from state governors, heads of corporations, Olympic gold medalists, teachers, researchers, artists and many other leaders in society.

Albert C. Yates, University President from 1990 - 2003, called the 1990s "heady times for the university" as Colorado State saw many successes that decade in fulfilling its mission to serve society through teaching, research and outreach--a mission that dates back to the institution's formation in 1870 as a land-grant college.

Below is a complete history of the university, showing the growth, progress and accomplishment that has marked Colorado State over the past 127 years. This history dramatically charts the evolution of the institution from its humble beginnings to its current stature as leader in higher education in the state, nation and world.

NOTE: Historical accounts in this series of articles, written by Joan Allmendinger, were compiled and edited from Democracy's College in the Centennial State - A History of Colorado State University by James E. Hansen III