The University of Agder became a university in 2007, but our roots span over more than 190 years. To learn more about our history, you can watch the video and read through the timeline below.
Kristiansand Museum founded
The Teacher Training School established at Holt rectory
The School moves to Kristiansand – becomes Kristiansand Teacher Training College (KLH)
The nursing school starts in Arendal, later the College of Nursing
Rector Halvor Vegard Hauge launches the idea of an Agder University
Agder Academy founded
"University Education in Kristiansand" UVIK, a satellite of UiO.
"The University Committee for the South Country" formed by the Academy and Museum
Agder Music Conservatorium (AMK) starts at Kristiansand Music School
"The Committe for an Economics College in Kristiansand"
The South Country Technical School SøTS, later Agder College of Engineering (AIK), founded in Grimstad
Agder College (ADH) established in Kristiansand
West-Agder Nursing School, later College of Nursing, established in Kristiansand
Six Agder Colleges merge into Agder University College (HiA), with locations in Kristiansand, Grimstad and Arendal.
Oddvar Haugland becomes University College Director, Knut Brautaset is elected Rector
The Government decides on a new HiA campus at Gimlemoen
Minister of Education Jon Lilletun appoints the Mjøs Committe to make recommendations about higher education after 2000
The Mjøs Committee recommend unanimously that colleges can qualify for university status.
Ernst Håkon Jahr becomes Rector in August
Parliament decides unanimously on the criteria for university status.New campus opened at Gimlemoen by the PM Kjell Magne Bondevik
Agder Akademy is reorganised into Agder Academy of Sciences and Letters
HiA has more than 8,300 studentsThe first major EU project with HiA as the main operator
The first defense in HiA's own PhD programme, in Scandinavian linguistics
Application for university status submitted
Agreement with Ugland Real Estate Ltd (?) about constructing a new campus in Grimstad
In June, HiA is accredited as a university
Torunn Lauvdal becomes Rector in August
The government sets 1 September as the date for the university
Official opening of UiA by HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit on 20 November
Official opening of the Grimstad campus by HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit
Debate and disagreement about a possible merger with Telemark University College. The UiA Board finally decided against a merger
UiA's first five years celebrated with the award of the first six honarary doctorates
First Centre of Excellence in mathematics education
First Centre of Research-Driven Innovation, in Offshore Mechatronics
Tor A. Aagedal steps down as University Director, succeeded by Seunn Smith-Tønnessen
Frank Reichert becomes Rector 1 January
Mechatronics Innovation Lab opened in Grimstad. Agder Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden becomes part of UiA
The 10th anniversary of UiA is celebrated with a huge performance at Kilden Performing Arts Centre in Kristiansand
Five new honorary doctorates awarded
Sunniva Whittaker becomes Rector 1 January.