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In 1920 Florida had a population of 968,470. By 1930, that number had doubled. The state's educational system struggled to keep up with the increasing number of students. At FSCW, space in the dormitories was limited and additional on-campus housing was desperately needed. When Gilchrist Hall, named for Governor Albert W. Gilchrist, opened its doors in 1928, the school had an enrollment of 1,642 students. More than two-thirds of the students lived in residence halls, and the remainder lived in sorority houses, approved off-campus housing, or with their parents/guardians.

In 1924, the Association of American Universities awarded national recognition to FSCW. Despite this achievement, constant battles with the Legislature for sufficient funds for faculty salaries kept morale low. Gradually the closely-knit family feeling on which the school prided itself on no longer existed.

Student life was also rapidly changing during this time. The "roaring 20's" brought to campus new social concepts that were taking hold across the nation. By the end of the decade, a more liberated and independent group of students had arrived at FSCW. Hemlines rose almost above the knees, and more than sixty percent of the students sported bobbed haircuts. Smoking cigarettes had become a symbol of the liberated college woman, a symbol that did not please the faculty or administration at all. The college maintained a smoking ban on campus, unlike many of the more progressive northeastern schools.

By the end of the 1920's, FSCW owned 300 acres of land; nearly all present-day structures east of Woodward Avenue had been built.

Source:

• Sellers, Robin, Ph.D. Femina Perfecta: The Genesis of Florida State University, Tallahassee: The Florida State University Foundation, 1995.