History of the Center

The Center was founded in 1964 as the Center for Studies in Vocational-Technical Education under a grant from the Ford Foundation. Its initial purpose was to study and develop policy in the area of laborforce participation and training. In 1971 the Center was transferred from the College of Letters and Sciences to the School of Education with external funding provided by the Wisconsin Technical College System. In 1992 the Center broadened its mission and adopted the current name after being known for nearly two decades as the Vocational Studies Center. Throughout its history, the Center has undertaken a variety of research, development, and service programs designed to improve education and vocational- technical education, career development, and other work-related training programs.

Dr. Merle E. Strong served as Center Director from 1969 to 1990. This link describes his significant career-long contributions.