In 1957 a new College was established in the California Bay Area. A man by the name of Fred Harcleroad was appointed to the position of President of the College. Fred Harcleroad was President of the College from 1958 to 1967, during which time he accomplished a great many things including: constructing a college from scratch, creating three Foundations, and implement cutting-edge technology for the sake education.
A man with a deep passion for education, Fred Harcleroad has largely gone unnoticed at the very establishment which he founded. Continue this tour to learn, in his own words, about a man who spent eight years fostering an institution which, in its day, was part of the second largest educational system in the world. This is the story of Fred Harcleroad: The First President of the University.
Fred Harcleroad had a huge interest in audio-visual education and, as such, much of the content contained in this exhibit is in the form of YouTube videos.
Thoughts on the Future
Fred’s vision of the future of higher education may sound outlandish, but at the time, I’m sure his idea of using computers for educational purposes did as well. Whether or not a shorter educational period ever occurs, it is important to keep thinking toward the future and, most importantly, thinking critically about the actual value gained in adopting a new technology.
The Future of Higher Education
Fred’s vision of the future of higher education may sound outlandish, but at the time, I’m sure his idea of using computers for educational purposes did as well. Whether or not a shorter educational period ever occurs, it is important to keep thinking toward the future and, most importantly, thinking critically about the actual value gained in adopting a new technology.
Breakthrough of the Foundations
The Cal State Associates Foundation is just one of Fred’s innovative methods of improving the art of Higher Education at California State University, East Bay. He also introduced a divided system of essay checking wherein there would be a dedicated staff who would grade work on a purely grammatical basis (guaranteed 48 hour turn-around) so that the professors would not have to check for spelling errors and instead focus on the content of the work alone. Throughout his career as President of the University, Fred has an unwavering dedication to the improvement of education.
History of Name Changes
The institution now known as California State University, East Bay went through many confusing name changes in its early years. Nobody could get the initial name correct and everyone was calling it something different. The Daily Review, the Oakland Tribune, and everyday people all had something a little easier than The State College for Alameda County in mind.
Thankfully, a properly memorable name was chosen, even though that changed a few times as well. Fred’s idea of the California State University, East Bay became a reality during the 2004-2005 school year. And though feelings are mixed and motives are much speculated, it finally fell into place fifty years later.
Site Selection for the University
Though many different cities and regions fought for the honor of hosting the site of the new college, the Hauschildt Ranch site became the new home of the Alameda County State College. Unfortunately, this was not the only difficulty which came from starting a brand new institution.
Documentary created by Collin Thorman.
Life Before Cal State East Bay
Fred Harcleroad tells his life before he started what was used to be known as Alameda County State College.
