Penn State University Archives

Penn State History

Significant Events in the Development of
The Pennsylvania State University - 1920s

1921

• Dr. John Martin Thomas named ninth President; resigned 1925.
• Senate organized as official representative faculty organization.

1922

• Emergency building fund campaign began.
• Graduate School established; Dr. Frank D. Kern, first dean.

1923

• School of Education instituted; Dr. W. G. Chambers, first dean.
• School of Agriculture reorganized.

1924

• School of Chemistry and Physics replaced Natural Science.
• School of Mines and Metallurgy replaced Mines.

1926

• First Doctor of Philosophy degree conferred on physicist Marsh W. White.
• Chi Omega chartered as first national women's fraternity on campus.

1927

• Dr. Ralph Dorn Hetzel became tenth President; died in office, 1947; second longest administration -- 21 years.
• Priestley Lecture Series established by Phi Lambda Upsilon, honorary chemistry society.

1928

• Bond issue defeated in state referendum, but major building program started with $5 million appropriation, gifts and loans.

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2000s

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