Willis F. Dunbar and the history of Dunbar Hall

Willis F. Dunbar

Nearly 50 years ago Dunbar, Friedmann and Knauss halls were opened to expand the University, highlighting a new architectural design and amphitheater located in the center of the buildings. Dunbar Hall, named after Dr. Willis F. Dunbar, late professor of history, holds 39 classrooms, six seminar rooms, a lecture room and TV studios. As the second most utilized teaching facility on campus, Dunbar Hall is where most arts and sciences students begin their college journey.

Dunbar was of great importance to the Western community. He worked at WMU from 1951 to 1970 as a professor in the history department, taking on the role of chairman from 1960 to 1967. As a professor Dunbar was informative and personable, always willing to help his students. Dunbar’s legacy lives on though the numerous books he authored. His findings, research and writing are housed in WMU’s Zhang Legacy Collections Center.

 

The future of Dunbar Hall

 
Dunbar hall in 1973

Dunbar Hall in 1973

Beginning in spring of 2020, Dunbar Hall will be renovated to accommodate students and campus. Supported by $30 million in state funding, the $40 million renovation is expected to be completed in fall of 2022. Updates will include reconfigured classroom layouts, workspaces, technology upgrades and updated interiors.

“Nearly every undergraduate student, regardless of major, will take a class in Dunbar during their time at WMU,” says Dr. Carla Koretsky, College of Arts and Sciences dean. “Classrooms will be designed for active, hands-on learning that will advance our mission of igniting and sustaining a passion for learning and discovery in the humanities, social sciences and sciences.”

Learn more about the Dunbar Hall renovation.

View this story and more in the 2019 issue of WMU's Arts and Sciences Magazine.

Give your input

Now is your chance to give your input on the renovation! Do you have ideas on what the student study spaces should look like? Do you like or dislike what the preliminary plans are? We want to hear from you!

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WMICH NEWS | Dunbar Hall to be transformed in $40 million renovation project

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