History of Phoenix College

By aaklein
  • Founded

    Founded
    Not many convenient academic options were available beyond high school, so a two-year college was created with input from UA. Doors opened to PJC (Phoenix Junior College). Classes in 9 subjects (chemistry, English, home ec, math, mechanical arts, military training, physical training, and Spanish) were held in 3 cottages.
  • PJC First Commencement

    PJC First Commencement
    Phoenix Junior College has its first graduating class of 5. (Pictured is the first student government, not the graduating class.)
  • End of the Decade

    End of the Decade
    By the end of the decade, students could participate in 15 programs.
    The Women's Athletic Association was organized at PJC and emphasized sports that women could participate in, including the first women's football team of its kind.
  • The Beginning of WWII

    The Beginning of WWII
    The gym was converted into a barracks and by the end of the academic year,1200 soldiers had completed pilot training. PJC experienced a 25% enrollment decrease between the first and second semesters as soldiers left for war.
  • PC Not Segregated

    PC Not Segregated
    Until 1954, most elementary and high schools in Arizona were segregated. Phoenix College was never racially segregated. In 1951, African American Eldridge Gonaway was elected student body president, receiving the majority of the votes.
  • Dr. Mildrid Bulpitt

    Dr. Mildrid Bulpitt
    Dr. Mildred Bulpitt makes history by becoming the first woman in the country to hold an administrative position as the Dean of Continuing Education and Evening Division. Years later, the Bulpitt Auditorium is named in honor of her to recognize her service to women's leadership in higher education.
  • PC Joins District

    PC Joins District
    Maricopa citizens elected to create the Phoenix Junior College district, later renamed the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). Phoenix College joins the Maricopa district.
  • Incorporation of Technology

    Incorporation of Technology
    The NSF chose two schools (PC being one of them) to act as pilot schools to help with the development of computer-aided instruction. The program was designed to teach math and English individually to students via 100 computers.
  • Dr. Myrna Harrison

    Dr. Myrna Harrison
    Dr. Myrna Harrison is the first woman to be named president of PC. She encouraged the development of the arts, being an artist herself.
  • PC Mobile App

    PC Mobile App
    PC develops the MyPC mobile app to make their homepage more readily accessible to view class schedules, enroll in classes, check grades, and more.