About Humboldt State University

Humboldt State was founded during the Progressive Movement (1897-1917) in United States history — an exciting era that elevated education to national prominence. Progressives worked to lessen the negative consequences of industrialism. They sought to create a society that was economically equitable and socially just, with increased political participation by the masses.

On June 16, 1913, California Gov. Hiram Johnson (an eventual sidekick of—President Teddy Roosevelt) signed the law establishing "Humboldt State Normal School for the training and education of teachers and others in the art of instruction and governing the public schools of this state."

Three Humboldt County towns—Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna—waged a competition over where to locate the school. Led by William Preston, Arcata citizens won the effort by collecting pledges totaling $12,000, seeking approval to use 20 acres of land for agricultural experiments, and securing rooms in local residences to house as many as 100 students. Preston personally donated a twelve-and-a-half-acre site atop a hill now named in his honor.

Like a forest emerging upon an uplifted ancient seabed, the academic disciplines at Humboldt have grown upon the deposits of forebears. This environment has been nurtured by increasing diversity: liberal arts and humanities, sciences, natural resources, business and technology, social sciences and education. As in the natural world which surrounds it, Humboldt's education is in constant succession: by upgrading their tools, modernizing their methods, and adjusting their foci, faculty members continually rededicate themselves to their discipline and how it can enhance society.

From its founding in 1913 to the present, Humboldt State has been a progressive institution.

Humboldt State University's sixth president, Rollin C. Richmond, took office on July 1, 2002.

President Richmond has outlined a set of values for Humboldt—excellence, fairness, diversity, honesty, trust, and openness. He has refined the bearings for guiding Humboldt to its future, citing these as the university's goals:

• Being student-centered.
• Promoting diversity of people and perspectives.
• Practicing social and environmental responsibility.
• Being a role model for community involvement.
• Promoting responsible economic development.

We, the coordinating team of the 2007 Leadership Conference & GPA, welcome you to share in the creation of a communal educational space designed to build leadership skills and develop knowledge that will lead to action creating positive social and environmental change and justice at our committee institution in October 2007.