How a 1909 teacher training school evolved into a modern research university powerhouse

Science · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded as a modest normal school to train teachers, the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse has transformed into a comprehensive research institution. From its humble origins in a single building to its current status as a diverse campus, the university balances historic traditions with significant investments in modern scientific infrastructure.

Established in 1909 as the La Crosse State Normal School, the institution was the eighth of nine such schools created in Wisconsin for teacher preparation. Its first building, now known as Maurice O. Graff Main Hall, was constructed that same year. Over the decades, the school underwent several institutional shifts, transitioning from a teachers college in 1927 to a state university in 1964, eventually joining the University of Wisconsin System in 1971. This evolution reflected broader trends in higher education, moving from specialized vocational training toward a broader liberal arts and research-focused curriculum.

The university's physical landscape has mirrored its academic growth. Between 1956 and 1974, the campus expanded from five buildings to 23, a period of rapid development that included new residence halls and academic facilities. More recently, the university has prioritized high-tech research spaces. The $27 million Health Science Center, opened in 2000, serves as a hub for medical laboratory science and therapy programs, while the $82 million Prairie Springs Science Center, completed in 2018, significantly increased the university's research capacity. These investments underscore a strategic shift toward science and allied health disciplines.

Despite this growth, the university has navigated significant financial and administrative challenges. Public funding has steadily declined, with the student share of education costs rising from 35% in 1996 to 51% by 2005. Leadership has also faced turbulence, most notably the 2023 termination of Chancellor Joe Gow following the public exposure of his involvement in adult content creation. Today, the university serves approximately 10,600 students across 102 undergraduate and 31 graduate programs. It remains anchored by historic landmarks like the 1916 Wittich Hall, which was repurposed for the College of Business Administration, blending the institution's long-standing architectural heritage with its contemporary academic mission.

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