Fabulous 50: Lee Hall Becomes First Co-Ed Dorm

50 years ago in the fall of 1970, Lee Dormitory became the first co-ed dorm at NC State.  The first six floors housed male students while the top upper floors were reserved for female students.  At the time, there were only about 2400 women enrolled at NC State, compared with about 6,900 male students.  

There were mixed reactions to the first co-ed living on campus.  In the September 9, 1970 Techncian, one student remarked, "I really love Lee.  The rooms are big and the boys are really polite."  Another commented in the March 23, 1970 Technician, "The girls are kind of apathetic about it.  They think it's a good idea but when it comes to moving in, they kind of frown on it.  I don't think it will go over that well."

Despite the initial skepticism, Lee Hall became and remains a popular housing option on campus.  Today it houses the Women in Science and Engineering Village (WISE Village).  

For more resources on Lee Dormitory and university housing, search our Rare and Unique Digital Collections.

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