In 1965, the College of Education established the Science Education Center under the leadership of Professor Addison E. Lee. Over the years, the center expanded it's research and outreach programs, eventually becoming the Center for STEM Education. Recognized for it's ability to create networks and collaboratives of researchers and educators, the center gained a reputation as an intellectual hub for the improvement of the teaching and learning of all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.