History of Wayne State College

Nebraska Normal School

Wayne State College began because citizens of the city of Wayne committed substantial time and resources to establishing a college in their community. The college has provided services and programs that enrich the lives of individuals and communities throughout the region, but most importantly it has provided an access to quality and affordable higher education to people who otherwise might not have had that opportunity.

In September 1891, James Pile, a math professor from Fremont, and citizens of Wayne founded Nebraska Normal College. The school began with a four-person faculty and a student body of seven. Nearly two decades later, more than 1,000 students were attending the school each year. The state purchased Nebraska Normal College, and it became Nebraska State Normal College on April 6, 1909.