WSU: 40th Anniversary - Timeline 1980's

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1980 Theatre in Ohio’s 1980 survey, published by the Ohio Theatre Alliance, lists WSU Theatre’s audiences as the largest of any college or university in the state. Attendance during 1980 is over 38,000. Fred White Health Center opens.

1981 Rike Hall opens.



		1982 The WSU delegation to the National Collegiate Model United Nations returns for the first time with the top award, beginning an unparalleled 25-year streak of bringing home top awards at the annual event.

		1983 The WSU men's basketball team, under the direction of Coach Ralph Underhill, wins the NCAA Division II national tournament. The Alumni Association presents its first Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.


1984 The WSU Department of Theatre Arts wins the first of two Ohio Program Excellence Awards. Health Sciences; Engineering & Math (now Math & Microbiology) buildings open.

1985 Dr. Paige E. Mulhollan becomes the university’s third president. Faculty members Thomas Whissen and David Garrison compose the WSU Alma Mater, performed for the first time at commencement.


		1986 WSU Board of Trustees approves a new mission statement, identifying WSU as a "metropolitan university" committed to providing leadership in addressing the educational, social, cultural, economic, and technological needs of the Miami Valley. Enrollment nears 17,000. Rowdy Raider unveiled as university's official mascot. College of Engineering and Computer Science established.

		1987 The College of Education and Human Services and Dayton Public Schools agree to jointly operate the E. J. Brown School as a "living, learning laboratory." WSU athletics move to NCAA Division I. Enrollment hits 17,066. Lt. Governor Paul Leonard and President Kegerreis mark WSU's 20th anniversary. New General Education Program implemented.

1988
The Motion Pictures area of the Department of Theatre Arts wins an Ohio Program Excellence award; produces first Big Lens Festival showcasing student films. Golf becomes first WSU sport to compete in Division I tournament. Partnering with Dayton Public Schools, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and corporations, WrightSTEPP, a program to encourage minority and underrepresented high schools students to pursue science, math, and engineering, is launched.

1989
Ellis Institute for Human Development opens, providing a community mental health training center serving inner Dayton.

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