It's Official! Governor signs bill changing WSC to Western State Colorado University
Western State College will officially become Western State Colorado University this fall, following the Monday signing of a name-change bill, by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. The bill - HB 1331 - was sponsored by Representative J. Paul Brown (R-House District 59) and Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Senate District 5).
President Jay Helman and members of the Board of Trustees join Governor John Hickenlooper, Lt. Governor Joe Garcia and Rep. J. Paul Brown for the signing of HB 1331 changing the name of Western State College to Western State Colorado University.
The name change will take effect on August 1 and will be supported by a re-branding effort to include new logos and brand guidelines.
“Our status as a university is a tribute to the hard work and success of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, said Western president Jay Helman. “This change reflects the academic strides and achievements the institution has made since it was founded more than 100 years ago.
Western initiated the name change discussions in September 2011 and its Board of Trustees approved the new name on March 16. The bill was passed by the Colorado Senate on May 2.
Western was founded in 1901 as Colorado State Normal School offering preparatory education for teachers. In 1923, the institution was renamed Western State College of Colorado and expanded its mission to academic offerings in the liberal arts and sciences. Today, Western’s programs include graduate degrees and pre-professional studies, with additional master’s degree offerings in development.
