History of North Hall

The construction of North Hall was funded by the state's normal school appropriation bill, signed by Governor McGovern in 1913. It provided $124,000 for the building, although by the time it was finished it ended up costing $140,000.  Groundbreaking took place on October 15, 1913, and the dedication ceremonies on June 17, 1914. The first classes were held there beginning in the fall of 1914.

A mere thirteen years later construction on a new addition began in 1927 and the "Training School" wing was dedicated on May 27, 1928. Having just been authorized to offer a four-year course for teachers, and with a name change to State Teachers College, North Hall symbolized the school's new role in Wisconsin as a degree-granting institution. There have been other changes over the years, with many departments moving in and out.

Currently North Hall serves as home to the Chancellor's Office, the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Division of Business and Finance, the Registrar's Office, University Advancement, University Communications, Grants and Research, Accounting Services, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Human Resources, Equity and Affirmative Action, Marketing Communications, Risk Management, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Student Success, Graduate Studies, the Marketing Communications Program, the Journalism Department, the Mathematics Department, the radio station (WRFW), and the offices of the Student Voice.

To view photographs of North Hall over the years and the various activities that have taken place there, click on one of the floor links either in the gray navigation bars (upper left) or in the tabs below.