The Department of Physics at Ithaca College has an interesting and sometimes sordid past. Did you know that in 1969 the New York State Education Department recommended that physics should be phased out as a major at the earliest possible moment? Obviously, the department rose to the challenge and established itself as one of the premier physics departments in the nation. Within a few years of the NYS-ED recommendation the physics department grew from 1 to 5 faculty members. Since then the department has consistently provided guidance for physics majors and non-physics majors alike.
The early 2000s witnessed the retirement and passing of the founding members of the physics department and the hiring of a new cadre of faculty to carry on their legacy.
A lot has changed since the early days of the department, in the mid 1960's. You can learn all about where the department started, and where it is going on these pages. Enjoy!