Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University is a public university located in Cheney, Washington, with additional programs offered in Spokane and across the state. Founded in 1882, it began as a teacher training institution and has evolved into a comprehensive regional university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across a wide range of disciplines. Academic programs are organized into multiple colleges, including arts and sciences, health sciences, professional programs, and STEM fields. Eastern Washington University competes in NCAA Division I athletics and serves students from across Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest. It is known for its historical roots in teacher education, strong community connections, and applied learning opportunities that attract students seeking accessible public higher education.

Eastern Washington University was founded in 1882 in Cheney, Washington, as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy, supported by railroad executive Benjamin P. Cheney. After Washington achieved statehood, the institution was designated the State Normal School at Cheney in 1890 to train elementary school teachers, and the first class began that year under principal W. W. Gillette. Despite devastating fires in 1891 and 1912, the campus was rebuilt and continued to grow. In 1937, it became Eastern Washington College of Education, reflecting an expanded academic mission. The institution was renamed Eastern Washington State College in 1961 as it broadened its undergraduate and graduate offerings, and in 1977 it officially became Eastern Washington University. In 1992, the historic core of the campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2024, Eastern Washington University announced a transition toward a polytechnic model emphasizing applied learning.