Motto | "Industry, Intelligence, Integrity" |
---|---|
Type | Public university |
Established | 1868 |
Endowment | US $313 million (2014) |
President | M. Roy Wilson |
Academic staff
|
2,688 |
Students | 27,222 |
Location | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Campus | 203 acres (82 ha), Urban |
Colors | Green and Gold |
Athletics | NCAA Division II – GLIAC |
Nickname | Warriors |
Mascot | "W" the Warrior |
Website | wayne |
Wayne State University (WSU) is an American public research university located in the Midtown Cultural Center Historic District of Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1868, WSU consists of 13 schools and colleges offering more than 380 programs to nearly 28,000 graduate and undergraduate students. It is currently Michigan's third-largest university and one of the 100 largest universities in the United States.
The WSU main campus encompasses 203 acres (82 ha) linking more than 100 education and research buildings in the heart of Detroit. It also has six extension centers in the metro Detroit area providing access to a limited selection of courses. The institution is a notable engine in metro Detroit's educational, cultural and economic landscape, as manifested through efforts such as its thriving research and technology park and hosting of the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival.
The first component of the modern Wayne State University was established in 1868 as the Detroit Medical College, now the School of Medicine.
In 1881, the Detroit Normal Training School was established, now known as the College of Education. Old Main Hall was built in 1896 as Central High School, which later began adding college classes in 1913. Those classes evolved into the Detroit Junior College in 1917, the Colleges of the City of Detroit in 1923 and now WSU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
In 1919, David L. Mackenzie — who served a dual role as Principal of Detroit Central High School and Detroit Junior College — was officially appointed first dean of the college that he had originated in 1917. With Mackenzie at the helm, Detroit Junior College grew to become the third-largest institution of higher learning in Michigan. The college was granted four-year degree status in 1923, becoming the College of the City of Detroit. Mackenzie continued as dean until his death in 1926.