The College of Education traces its roots to 1931, when James McGoldrick, S.J., established an evening extension school that admitted women. The radical move circumvented Catholic Church authority and effectively paved the way for a co-ed university and the founding of the college in 1935. The university's first discrete academic unit awarded its first bachelor's degree in education in 1937.
Founding of Seattle University as Immaculate Conception Church parish school.
The parish school becomes Seattle College
“Ye never ask; ye just act!” — Father James B. McGoldrick
In 1933, Fr. McGoldrick was named Dean of Seattle College, a post he held until 1943.
E.M. Anna Prouty appointed first dean of women, later succeeded by Marie Leonard.
Seattle University’s first discrete academic unit, the School of Education, is accredited.
Maurice Flaherty, SJ, was named the first dean of the School of Education at Seattle College
More than one third of SU’s graduating class (71 graduates) received bachelor degrees in Education.
Returning servicemen on the GI Bill helped expand Seattle University's student body.
