One of a handful of public universities with an Ivy League reputation for high quality academics and small-campus environment, Millersville University has been the starting point for student success since 1855. Our traditions and heritage provide an environment of learning, innovation and leadership.

The original industrial arts program had its origin in the old domestic science building (later called the industrial arts building) which was completed in 1902. At that time, one room in the basement of this building was designated for the teaching of manual training. The initial purpose of the program was not for preparation of teachers in this special field, but rather was a part of the general education of all students.

Official approval to prepare industrial arts teachers was granted by the state in 1930. At a special ceremony to celebrate this event, students in the first class participated with Professors Howard and Ulrich in planting an oak tree on the campus at the southwest corner of the building.

The first curricular offerings were confined to courses in wood, sheet metal, drafting, and house wiring. The immediate acceptance of the program was such that one year later additional staff was required to teach new offerings in graphic arts and an expanding program in metals. A young graduate student from Ohio State, Burl N. Osburn, was appointed to fill this need. The first class graduated in 1934.

Dr. Osburn became the director of the industrial arts program in 1941. During the war years, student enrollment decreased, and for a time, Dr. Osburn was the sole staff member in all areas of industrial arts education. At the conclusion of the war in 1945, the program received a great number of returning veterans. This made it necessary to increase staff and facilities.

In 1956, action was taken in the way of appropriations for a new building, and an architect was selected. Also during this time, the plans for initiating a graduate program to offer a master's degree in industrial arts were approved by the State Council of Education.

Osburn Hall was designed and built to house all of the industrial arts facilities and a few fine arts studios. The industrial arts laboratories were in wood, metal, graphic arts, drawing and design, electricity and electronics, and ceramics. A general laboratory enabled the study of plastics, textiles, leather, and photography with unit studies requiring research and development or experimentation. Another general laboratory prepared elementary and special education teachers to integrate industrial arts into their curricula. All classrooms were integrated into the laboratories, except for one large multi-purpose room. By 1961, Osburn Hall served over 250 full-time undergraduate and 60 graduate students, with 10 full-time and three part-time faculties.

In the 70's and 90's the first floor was refurbished to include ceramics, plastics, a classroom, a student lounge, automotive transportation, central storage, and maintenance and repair. Equipment from the general laboratory was merged into an expanded wood manufacturing and construction laboratory. The exceptional children and general laboratories were transformed into the Occupational Safety and Environmental Health facilities. At this time computer laboratories representing both Macintosh and PC platforms were implemented.

The complete lifecycle renewal began on April 1, 2003. All classrooms, offices, and laboratories were relocated out of Osburn Hall to various locations both on campus, and across town at Burle Industries. The construction period lasted for about one year, with the first classes being offered in the renovated and expanded facility taking place during the Spring 2004 semester. The new 70,000 square-foot facility now serves over 500 majors with its three unique degree programs. Currently, there are 19 full-time faculty members, one full-time and one half-time secretary, and two laboratory technologists.