Pierce College - History

History

In 1967, Clover Park Community College opened its administrative offices and library in an abandoned grocery store on Bridgeport Way Southwest, now the site of QFC. It was nicknamed Albertsons' U. Classes were held, however, at various Pierce County locations such as high schools, military bases, and hospitals.

Later that year, on March 24, the Washington State Legislature passed the Community College Act. This law shifted the control of community colleges from the school districts to the state. On April 3, Governor Dan Evans signed the bill into law.

Consequently, the site of the new campus was chosen on a 140-acre (0.57 km2) site in Fort Steilacoom. By 1970, the college changed its name to Fort Steilacoom Community College. Until the opening of the main building in 1974, classes were taught in portables.

As a result of increasing enrollment over the years, the college sought a name that encompasses the students who live throughout Pierce County. So in 1986, the name was changed once more to Pierce College.

In 1989, a new campus was being built in Puyallup, just east of the South Hill Mall. The school later opened in the fall of 1990. By 1999, the status was upgraded to a full-service college.

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