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Located in Cheney, Washington, Eastern Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university and the state’s fastest growing public institution. Established in 1882 by a $10,000 grant from Benjamin Pierce Cheney, the school was originally called the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy after its founder. In 1889 the school was renamed the State Normal School at Cheney and in 1937 its name was again changed to Eastern Washington College of Education. It was following World War II that the school experienced in greatest growth, became known as Eastern Washington State College and adding several graduate and undergraduate degree programs. In 1977 the school was renamed one last time by the Washington State Legislature, this time to Eastern Washington University.
Academic Programs
Eastern Washington University’s vision is to produce ”professionally, socially and culturally engaged leaders, citizens and communities” with a mission to expand “opportunities for personal transformation through excellence in learning.” The University is driven by several core values which serve to guide the school in its decisions; these values include Quality, Access, Inclusiveness, and Integrity. Eastern Washington University has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1919.More than 130 areas of study are offered by Eastern Washington University through its several colleges, which include the College of Arts, Letters & Education, the College of Business & Public Administration, the College of Health Science & Public Health, the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, and the College of Social Sciences. Nearly a dozen master’s degrees are offered, including a Master of Science in Biology, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Communications, Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science Counselor Education: Mental Health Counseling, and Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Eastern Washington University offers programs at its main campus in Cheney, as well as in locations all across Washington in Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Seattle, Shoreline, Spokane, Tacoma, and Vancouver.
Student Life
Eastern Washington University has a total enrollment figure of more than 12,000, including over 11,000 undergraduate students. 3% of students are international, coming from several nations including Saudi Arabia, China, and Brazil. Eastern Washington University is situated on a beautiful, 300 acre park-like campus. Though only 17 miles from Spokane, the second largest city in Washington, Eastern Washington University’s campus is mere minutes away from over 20 lakes, beautiful mountains, and the Turnbull National Wildlife refuge, which offer opportunities for fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife watching and more.More than 100 student-led clubs and organizations are recognized by Eastern Washington University, including nearly two dozen Greek life fraternities and sororities, more than 85 intramural club sports. A member of the NCAA Division I, Eastern Washington University’s intercollegiate teams compete in the Big Sky Conference athletics and are known as the Eagles. All of Eastern Washington University’s freshmen students are required to live on campus during their first year and student housing options are available for all students, including married students, single parents and their dependent children, and all graduates. Eastern Washington University’s Dining Services offers dining options across nine campus locations and recycle tons of food and packaging each year.