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Building Name
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Porter College of Education
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Description
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In May of 1967, the new library building, five times the size of the former Clyde Ford Library, opened on the campus of Eastern Michigan University. Built with a combination of federal and state funds for the cost of $2.68 million, it contained 133,500 square feet of space for collections, services and study. By the late 1980s the student body was asking for a new library to be built. Once the Bruce T. Halle Library was opened in 1998, the old library building was remodeled to hold the College of Education and was renamed the John W. Porter building for Dr. Porter who had a distinguished career as a teacher and administrator in the K-12 schools of Michigan before becoming the Michigan State Superintendent of Schools, and then President of Eastern Michigan University from 1979-1988. The 133,500 square foot building was designed to provide a variety of teaching/learning environments, including extensive technology capability, for the preparation of school personnel and professionals in related areas. During the renovations in 1998 and 1999, work crews rewired the entire building, providing state-of-the-art computer networks and an up-to-date multimedia system for the building for a cost of almost $2 million. The College of Education's move to the renovated building created a new environment for students in the disciplines of Teacher Education, Special Education and Leadership and Counseling. The John W. Porter Building was reopened on October 8th 1999. The total cost of renovation was $13.8 million. The old library building was remodeled to hold the Education Department and renamed after John W. Porter, EMU President (1979-1988). Dr. Porter had a distinguished career as a teacher and administrator in the K-12 schools of Michigan. He became Michigan State Superintendent of Schools and provided outstanding leadership. He led Eastern Michigan University through a period of considerable growth and development. The old library building was remodeled to hold the Education Department and renamed after John W. Porter, EMU President (1979-1988). The 133,500 square foot building was designed to provide a variety of teaching/learning environments, including extensive technology capability, for the preparation of school personnel and professionals in related areas. During the renovations in 1998 and 1999, work crews rewired the entire building, providing state-of-the-art computer networks and an up-to-date multimedia system for the building for a cost of almost $2 million. These new facilities included lecterns that allow for Internet connectivity, as well as 140 new Apple, IBM, and Gateway Computers. The College of Education's move to the renovated building has created a new environment for students in the disciplines of Teacher Education, Special Education and Leadership and Counseling. The Porter College of Education reopened on October 8th 1999. The total cost of renovation was $13.8 million.
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Namesake Biography
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John W. Porter was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 13, 1931. He was the first black professional hired by the state education department, starting out as a researcher and becoming the nation's first African American superintendent of schools. His many accomplishments include setting up the Guaranteed Student Loan Program for college students and the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP), which is used to test students throughout the state. Beginning in 1979, Porter served a ten year tenure as president of Eastern Michigan University (EMU). In 1989 he was asked to serve as interim superintendent of Detroit Public Schools. Porter returned to EMU in 1991 as president. Porter remained active in matters related to urban schools and in the school reform movement. At EMU, the College of Education building, an urban education department professorship, an undergraduate scholarship, and a distinguished service award are all named in his honor. Porter holds ten honorary doctorates, and has been named both an Albion College Distinguished Alumnus and a member of Albion College's Athletic Hall of Fame. He served on the Albion College board of trustees for 15 years and is now an honorary trustee. U.S. Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter all appointed Porter to commissions and councils addressing higher education, employment, and mental health. He has held leadership positions and served on the boards of numerous national organizations, including the Council of Chief State School Officers; the American Council of Education (Educational Credit Commission); the National Advisory Council on Social Security; the National Urban League; and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Porter's accomplishments and career have been recognized and honored by organizations as varied as the Michigan State Legislature, the Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated, and the Michigan Education Hall of Fame. Porter, who received his undergraduate degree from Albion College, earned a master's degree in counseling and guidance and a doctorate in higher education administration from Michigan State University. He died on June 27, 2012 at the age of 80. The University held an on campus celebration in December of 2012.
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Building Namesake
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John W. Porter, University President, 1979 - 1988
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Year Constructed
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1967
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Date Dedicated
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Rededication October 8, 1999
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Building Functions
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College of Education
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University Library, 1967-1998
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Architect
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Swanson and Associates, Bloomfield Hills, MI
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Builder
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Christman Company
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Original Cost
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$2,680,000
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Architectural Style
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International
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Square Footage
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133,500
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Rights
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This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the owner, Eastern Michigan University Archives (lib_archives@emich.edu).
