#TBT in the Archives 2/2/17: SU Presidents

Since the founding of the Cumberland Valley State Normal School in 1870, Shippensburg University presidents have always been leaders in guiding change for the campus community. Whether these changes meant new buildings, groundbreaking academic programs, or even new names, each president (or principal!) has had the honor of guiding the campus forward.

Recently, President Jody Harpster retired. He may have served as University President for just two years, but the institution made great strides under his watch. Since January 2015, Shippensburg has launched the first electrical engineering degree in PASSHE, and its first two doctoral programs in educational leadership and counselor education and supervision. Plus, the Fashion Archives & Museum moved into a new home at the Davis House in March 2016, while the John L. Grove College of Business and the computer engineering and software engineering programs earned national recognition.

Let’s take a look back at other major changes that took place during the tenure of past presidents: 

Ezra Lehman served as the principal of the Cumberland Valley State Normal School from 1913 until his death in June 1931. One of the most momentous changes during his tenure was the change of the school’s name to Shippensburg State Teachers’ College. The title became official in August 1927 when the first seven students graduated from the college’s new four-year Bachelor of Science in Education program.

In addition, Lehman oversaw the construction of the campus’ first library building, which was finished in 1931. Prior to this, the library was located in Old Main. To get there, students had to walk through the chapel, which prevented library visits when religious services, rehearsals, and lectures were scheduled.

The new library building was dedicated in President Lehman's honor during the 1931-1932 academic year. The 1932 edition of the Cumberland yearbook included this page about the dedication. Today, this building is home to Huber Arts Center.

President Ralph E. Heiges (1956-1970) also oversaw momentous changes at Shippensburg. In 1960, the General Assembly removed the name “Teachers’” from the school name, and Shippensburg State College entered the decade with a new name but a familiar mission – training teachers. Another big change in the early 1960s was in 1961-1962 when Ship restructured the academic calendar into two 18-week semesters, instead of three 12-week terms.

President Ralph E. Heiges

By the time Heiges was president, the college also offered a master’s program in education. By 1969-1970, master’s degree programs included Master of Arts in history, English or political science, and Master of Science in communication or counseling. 

Heiges and his successor, Gilmore B. Seavers, served while the campus dramatically changed in appearance to accommodate ballooning student enrollment. Heiges witnessed the completion of Kriner Hall and Reisner Dining Hall, Huber Arts Center, the current Ezra Lehman Memorial Library, as well as seven dorms (Wright, McCune, Harley, Kieffer, Lackhove, Naugle, and McLean). Seavers greeted the completion of Franklin Science Center, Heiges Field House, the CUB, Dauphin Humanities Center, and Mowery Hall. President William N. Ruud (2007-2013) oversaw similar updates to campus with the construction of six new dormitories that replaced the old dorms, but took their names.

McCune Hall was completed in 1959. After it was demolished in 2012-2013, a new dorm took its name.

 

Librarian Alma Winton (1935-1970) surveys the construction of Ezra Lehman Memorial Library in the mid-1960s.

President Seavers also led the campus through the centennial celebration in 1970-1971, and the founding of the campus ROTC program. 

President Anthony F. Ceddia guided the college from 1980 until his retirement in 2005. On July 1, 1983, the school was officially renamed Shippensburg University when the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) was established. 

The Slate announces the college's impending name change in late 1982.

Under Ceddia’s leadership, the university saw updates to campus police and security, renovations at Old Main, the growth of the Shippensburg University Foundation, the establishment of the John L. Grove College of Business, and the construction of Grove Spiritual Center, Luhrs Elementary School, and the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. 

President Anthony F. Ceddia

Still other presidents and principals have overseen physical changes on campus, expansion of programs and enrollment, and have guided students and faculty throughout Shippensburg University's nearly 150 years. Congratulations to our new Interim President, Dr. Barbara Lyman, who will guide our school during this transition period.  


Want to learn more about Shippensburg University presidents? The Archives and Special Collections houses business and professional papers of many presidents, as well as yearbooks and newspapers from years past that bring their work to life. Contact Archives & Special Collections via e-mail: specialcollections@ship.edu or phone: 717-477-1123 x3357. 


Sources:
All source materials can be found in Shippensburg University Archives & Special Collections, Ezra Lehman Memorial Library, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

Cumberland, 1932, volume 15.  

Cumberland, 1968, volume 51. 

Cumberland, 1980, volume 63.
Cumberland, 1981, volume 64.

Normal School Herald, vol. 31, no. 3. Shippensburg: Cumberland Valley State Normal School, April 1927.

The Slate. April 16, 2005.

Shippensburg State College Bulletin, 1960-1961, vol. 64, no. 3. Shippensburg: Shippensburg State College, June 1960.

Shippensburg State College Bulletin, 1961-1962, vol. 65, no. 3. Shippensburg: Shippensburg State College, June 1961.

State Teachers’ College Herald, vol. 31, no. 4. Shippensburg: Shippensburg State Teachers’ College, July 1927.