Phelps Residence Hall

Building Name

Phelps Residence Hall

Description

Residence hall adjacent to the Eastern Eateries, Sellers Hall, Walton Hall, and Putnam Hall, also known as the First-Year Center.

Namesake Biography

Jessie Phelps was born on January 12, 1870, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Edwin and Mary Irish Phelps. She received her education at the Pontiac public schools, and the University of Michigan where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1894. Her first teaching position was a combination of mathematics and science in the Sault Ste. Marie High School, 1984-1896. Phelps returned to the University of Michigan in 1896 for graduate work, which she completed in 1898, majoring in zoology. In the summer of 1898, Phelps worked with Prof. William Sherzer, head of the Ypsilanti Normal College, Natural Science Department, at the Chautauqua Summer School in New York. The following fall, Phelps came to Ypsilanti to work as Prof. Scherzer's assistant; eventually becoming a permanent member of the department. She rose rapidly through the academic ranks to a full professorship. She spent 1907-1908, studying medicine at Freiburg University, Germany. At MSNC, she taught zoology, physiology, and hygiene. She authored a steady succession of technical, pedagogical, and nature studies published in professional journals throughout her lifetime. During her teaching years, approximately 12, 000 students passed through her instruction. Prof. Phelps lived adjacent to campus and chose to be surrounded by her students at 936 West Forest Avenue. Jessie Phelps retired from Michigan State Normal College in June of 1939.

Building Namesake

Jessie Phelps, Professor of Natural Sciences 1899-1939

Year Constructed

1966

Date Dedicated

1966

Building Functions

Residence Hall

First-Year Center

Architect

R.S. Gerganoff, Ypsilanti, MI

Architectural Style

International

Square Footage

43,920

Rights

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).