Corbin Education Center

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History:

Internationally, the most recognized building on the WSU campus is the Corbin Education Center. It was one of the last buildings by one of America's best known architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, and was one of the last construction projects completed by the Municipal University of Wichita. At its dedication in 1964, it was named for President Harry Corbin who led the University during the difficult period when entry was gained into the Kansas state system of higher education.

The building was designed to house offices and classrooms while a second building, not constructed because of a lack of funds, was designed as a laboratory school for grades kindergarten through six. Mr. Wright also designed faculty desks, benches, and conference tables for the interior. Other equipment, such as student desks and file cabinets, were selected by Mrs. Wright following her husband's death. The exterior concept of the laboratory school was used by Mr. Wright's student, John Hickman, when he designed Century II for downtown Wichita.