Winona State University - Teaching Teachers to Teach Others

Winona State University is an undergraduate college primarily. It is one of the oldest schools that constitute Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. However, it is not a part of university of Minnesota . In 1885, it was founded to train teachers. Today, it offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and 10 pre-professional programs in the university. For fall 2007, enrollment was 8274.

Modern Techniques of Learning

Original campus is in Winona , Minnesota and another branch campus is there in Rochester , Minnesota ( WSU Rochester Center ). It was one of the first universities to become “laptop universities”. In it, students were offered a choice of Macintosh or Gateway during their time in University at lease.

It is currently in process to implement a program dubbed the “Learning for the 21 st Century Initiative”. It was earlier called “The Winona Experience” which raised a few brows, and before that “The New University”.

A Brief History

The foundation for this university was laid in 1958, when the first Minnesota State Legislature established normal schools “to prepare teachers for the common schools of the state”. Citizens of Winona supported by accumulating donations of $7000 very quickly.

Classes began in 1860. During civil war it closed, and reopened in November 1864 to continue its mission of preparing teachers for the new State of Minnesota . Construction of first building completed in 1866 and by 1869, classes were held in main hall.

Significant curriculum changes were affected from 1920s until World War II. The State Normal School became Winona Teachers College in 1921 and got authority to grant bachelor's degree. In 1926, four students including two men and two women graduated with four-year teaching degree.

In 1957, the institution was renamed Winona State College, reflecting an expanded mission. It added the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science in Education and Associate in Arts degrees. It became Winona State University in 1975. It consists of five colleges' now - Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing and Health Sciences and Science and Engineering.

The Different Programs Offered

Winona State University offers more than 80 major study programs and 10 pre-professional programs. A faculty to student ratio of 21 and average class size of 24 makes it a good institution. Bachelor's degree is provided in art, allied health, chemistry, inter-cultural communication, cytotechnology, exercise science, finance, hydrogeology, statistics, therapeutic recreation, photojournalism, and dance.

There are some pre-professional programs like pre-professional programs in engineering, law, mortuary science, and medical fields. English, counselor education, other fields of education, and nursing are the courses for the Master's degree. Educational Specialist course is also provided.

Other Facilities

For the students, there are fraternities and sororities, academic and professional groups, religious organizations, cultural organizations, political groups, and special interest groups, such as the Chess Club, the Madrigal Singers, and Writer's Bloc. For the media interaction, a newspaper, a radio station a few other publications are available. Intramural athletics include aerobics, badminton, and weight training; there is also a ski club, a cricket club, and a water polo club.