Washington State University’s College of Education is expanding its identity. Effective May 1, 2025, the college will officially become the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences to better reflect the breadth of its programs.
The name change follows a comprehensive survey and multiple focus groups that included faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders. College Dean Karen Thomas-Brown said the decision was driven by the need for greater clarity.
“People hear College of Education and immediately think of teacher education,” Thomas-Brown said. “While we are state leaders in training teachers and educational leaders, our college also houses programs in sport management, kinesiology, and athletic training — fields that aren’t as easily recognized under our current name.”
…our college also houses programs in sport management, kinesiology, and athletic training — fields that aren’t as easily recognized under our current name.
Karen Thomas-Brown, dean
WSU’s College of Education
The college was founded in 1917 as the School of Education, then became the College of Education in 1962.
A key component for the early college was its physical education programs. In 1985, the college also began hosting sport and leisure students.
Programs such as these have evolved over the years, and help explain why the college hosts athletic training, kinesiology, and sport management.
The name change was approved through an extensive review process, receiving endorsements from the WSU Faculty Senate, Provost and Executive Vice President T. Chris Riley-Tillman, and President Kirk Schulz. The WSU Board of Regents was also briefed, with Thomas-Brown providing insights into the decision.
A celebration event marking the transition is planned for early fall 2025. Details will be announced in the coming months.
