School of Engineering Reference collection, 1913-2014

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Summary

Creator:
Duke University. University Archives
Abstract:
The Pratt School of Engineering traces its history back to 1851 when Normal College, a forerunner of Duke University, advertised a Classical course which included engineering for seniors. The School of Engineering Reference Collection contains files of clippings, articles, bulletins, reports, publications, and other materials about the School of Engineering.
Extent:
0.7 Linear Feet
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
UA.01.11.0019
University Archives Record Group:
01 -- General Information and University History
01 -- General Information and University History > 11 -- Reference Collections

Background

Scope and content:

The School of Engineering Reference Collection contains files of clippings, articles, bulletins, reports, publications, and other materials about the School of Engineering. This collection was compiled from a variety of sources by the University Archives for use in reference and research.

Biographical / historical:

taken from Pratt School of Engineering website: http://www.pratt.duke.edu/about/history.php

The Pratt School of Engineering traces its history back to 1851 when Normal College, a forerunner of Duke University, advertised a Classical course which included engineering for seniors. Normal College became Trinity College in 1859 and engineering was introduced in 1887 and became a regular course offering in 1903.

When Trinity became Duke University in 1924, engineering underwent vigorous development.

Chronology List
Date Event
1927
Civil and Electrical Engineering departments were established.
Classrooms/labs located in Asbury building on East campus. Engineering students were housed in Southgate building on East campus.
1931
Mechanical Engineering department established.
1937
Departments of CE, EE, and ME were administratively grouped to form the Division of Engineering.
1939
The University incorporated the Division of Engineering into the College of Engineering.
1946
First women to graduate from the College of Engineering: Muriel Theodorsen Williams (EE) and Marie Foote Reel (EE).
1947
Male Engineering students relocated to West Campus.
1948
College of Engineering moves to West Campus and begins classes in new Engineering Building (Old Red), now Hudson Hall.
1960
Doctor of Philosophy degree first offered in Electrical Engineering.
1964
Doctor of Philosophy first offered in Civil Engineering.
1966
College of Engineering changed to School of Engineering.
1968
First black engineers to graduate from School of Engineering: Kenneth Spaulding Chestnut (CE) and Alfred J. Hooks (ME).
1971
Department of Biomedical Engineering established — First BME Department established at a university in the United States — set the stage nationally for other BME Departments.
1984
Nello L. Teer Library Building opens.
1992
Engineering building, (Old Red) named Hudson Hall to honor Fitzgerald S. "Jerry" Hudson E'46.
1994
Levine Science Research Center opens.
1999
Kristina M. Johnson becomes first woman dean.
Duke University School of Engineering named the Edmund T. Pratt Jr. School of Engineering for Edmund T. Pratt Jr. E'47.
2004
Construction was completed on the Center for Interdisciplinary Engineering, Medicine and Applied Sciences in August. Pratt hosts dedication on November 18, 2004. Duke's Board of Trustees approve renaming CIEMAS in honor of Michael and Patty Fitzpatrick. CIEMAS is now formally known as the Fitzpatrick Center for Interdisciplinary Engineering, Medicine and Applied Sciences, informally dubbed the Fitzpatrick Center.
Acquisition information:
The School of Engineering Reference Collection was compiled from various sources by University Archives staff for reference and research.
Processing information:

Processed by Archives Staff, February 2008

Encoded by Sherrie Bowser, February 2008

Updated by Kimberly Sims, August 2010

Updated by Molly Bragg, August 2011

One folder added and finding aid updated by April Blevins, January 2024

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], School of Engineering Reference Collection, Duke University Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.