The 40th anniversary of Raymond Walters College is being celebrated all year this year by faculty, staff, and students. But many of the students and current staff do not know the whole history of RWC. Named after former University of Cincinnati President Raymond Walters, the college was originally constructed on its 122-acre campus as part of UC’s two-year University College. It was UC’s first official off-campus facility and instituted two new programs for the UC curriculum: Dental Hygiene and Nursing.
The announcement of the college was made on January 27, 1965. The new college was made to accommodate students in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermontcounties. In November of 1965, the University decided to change the name of the college to “The Raymond Walters Branch, University of Cincinnati.”
Dr. Hilmar C. Krueger was named the first Dean of the college, while Dr. Ernest G. Muntz was appointed Assistant Dean. Thirty-six faculty members were appointed to teach in 17 associate degree programs. RWC was created to serve students in two-year career-oriented programs leading to a job and the opportunity to transfer to a four-year baccalaureate college.
On September 25, 1967, Raymond Walters College opened its doors to 632 students. In 1969, Dr. Ernest G. Muntz was promoted to Professor of History and Dean of the Raymond Walters Branch.
The following year would mark many changes for RWC. Another name change took place: The college officially became Raymond Walters General and Technical College. Food and lounge facilities were added in the form of a student center building, later named the Flory Center.
A second parking lot was also built, located behind the Campus Center. In late 1969, the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools granted full accreditation to RWC. Then in 1970 evening classes were added to RWC. In 1976, the $3.4 million academic wing was opened, to bring Muntz Hall to its current size.
Over the next few years many different programs were added, removed, and changed to meet the evolving needs and requirements of the student body. RWC’s curriculum grew from 10 two-year career-oriented programs and seven preference programs to 14 career-oriented programs, 20 transfer-oriented programs, and 13 professional certificates, for a total of 59 program options.
During the time between 1974 and 1978, every department at RWC either changed names or consolidated to streamline operations. As of 1986, RWC began giving the opportunity for students to receive professional certificates for students requiring skills and knowledge beyond the bachelor’s degree.
In the late 80s, RWC expanded its services to the adult learner. Students taking part-time classes increased significantly. In May of 1987, the college once again changed its name. The college became known as the University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters College.
By the early 90s, the population of students increased rapidly to over 3,500. Towards the late 90s, the college constructed the Science and Allied Health Building (SAHB), which holds most of the science classes.
As of 2007, the enrollment for fall quarter is 4,497. The ratio of staff to students is 1:15. The College continues to be an open admission institution, providing access to higher education to anyone with a high school diploma or the equivalent.
RWC’s rolling admissions policy allows students to enter any academic quarter: autumn, winter, spring or summer. Many students and graduates of RWC can appreciate how far the College has come to provide education for its students.