History

View Complete TECS Timeline (1935-Present)

The College of Technology and Computer Science, under its current title, has only existed since 2003.  However, the College and its programs have a history that dates back to 1935 when the first courses were offered.  Back then the courses were primarily drawing and cabinet construction courses taught in the Department of Public School Art.

In 1949, Dr. Kenneth Bing was named the Director Industrial Arts and was supported by two faculty members.  Dr. Bing led the program until he retired in 1967.

Dr. Thomas Haigwood replaced Dr. Bing in 1967 and in the next three years all the programs on campus were organized within schools and colleges with the only exception being the Department of Industrial and Technical Education. 

In 1986, the school was reorganized with four departments:  Business Education, Construction Management, Manufacturing and Military Science.

East Carolina University has been a leader across the state with the emergence and growth of distance education (online courses).  In 1994, a grant provided the opportunity for the school to start a distance learning program.  And two years later, the first 9 Master of Science Distance Learning Students graduated. 

A brand new multi-million dollar Science and Technology Building was constructed and opened in August of 2003.  The School of Industry and Technology’s name was changed to the College of Technology and Computer Science.  The College included Computer Science, Construction Management, Planning and Technology Systems. 

In March 2004, the Board of Governors approved the creation of an Engineering program.  And in just four years later, in May 2008, the first 22 engineering seniors graduated.