Chancellor Clifford M. Hardin standing on top of Nebraska Hall with the new dorm construction in background.

Chancellor Clifford M. Hardin and Joseph Soshnik walking in front of the University of Nebraska Love Memorial Library.

             The 1950s and 60s were a time of big change for the University of Nebraska, with Chancellor Clifford Hardin due to an increase in the physical campus by three times and an increase in the University budget. The first project Hardin tackled was the construction of the Nebraska Center for Continuing Education. The idea was originally met with hesitation from the Board due to the lack of funds and the general feeling of defeat throughout campus. Hardin managed to pull through and gain support from the Board with donations from the Kellogg Foundation and connections in Columbus and Grand Island (Knoll 122). Commonly referred to as the Kellogg Center, the building was dedicated in 1961. Following the construction of the Center, any discouragement felt on campus was eliminated, the University was further united and reassured there was success in funding worthy projects (Sawyer 217). In 1994, the Center was renamed the Clifford Hardin Nebraska Center for Continuing Education.
           

          During his administration, the University’s budget continued to increase, and with that, the enrollment, demand for professors, and the professors’ salaries. Also in 1961 Hardin established a funded retirement plan for the faculty, a first for the University. Hardin’s administration included a self-study of the College of Arts and Sciences to gain input on changes the faculty wanted for departments, the construction of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, and the founding of KUON-TV broadcasting.

Sources

     Knoll, Robert E. Prairie University: A History of the University of Nebraska. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1995. Print.

     Sawyer, McLaran R. Centennial History of The University of Nebraska: The Modern University 1920-1969. Lincoln: Centennial Press, 1973. Print.