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Chapter 2: Growth, Development – and War

1907-1929

A beloved campus landmark is born, the student body diversifies, and world conflict touches everyday life in DeKalb. Up through its second and third decades of existence, Northern Illinois State Normal School experiences changes in governance and local leadership, with four different presidents and the beginnings of an expanded academic program.

Early classroom photo

Illinois General Assembly votes to allow normal schools to confer bachelor’s degrees (1907)

East lagoon with Altgeld Hall in background

The East Lagoon is created (1907)

Fanny Ruth Patterson

First African-American student graduates (1915)

Williston Hall opens as first residence hall for women (1915)

World War I puts its stamp on NISNS (1917 – 1918)

NISNS Board of Trustees replaced by “Normal School Board” (1917)

J. Stanley Brown becomes Northern’s second president (1919)

Name changed to Northern Illinois State Teachers College (1921)

J. Clifton Brown becomes third president (1927)

Karl L. Adams becomes fourth president (1929)