Biography

Harvey A. Schofield was the first president of what was then called the State Normal School at Eau Claire. He led the school through its critical first 25 years.

As president, Schofield had almost no support staff and almost single-handedly managed school affairs. He successfully marshaled community support and political influence in Madison to head off attempts in the legislature to close the school in 1923, 1928 and 1937. He encouraged the designation of Wisconsin normal schools as teachers colleges in 1927 and oversaw the adoption of a new curriculum that awarded bachelor's degrees to students who completed a four-year program. The American Association of Teachers Colleges gave full accreditation to Eau Claire State in 1927.

Ill-health forced Schofield to step down as president at the end of 1940. After his death in August 1941, the regents memorialized him as "a fine leader and friend — a man of administrative ability and sound counsel." Old Main, the original campus building, was renamed Schofield Hall in 1960 in his honor.

Occupations

• President -- Date: 1916 - 1940

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