Irvin Hall, Highland Community College

Irvin Hall, Highland Community College is the oldest college building still in use in Kansas.

When the town of Highland was established in 1857, one of the first objectives was to establish a site for a university. Work on the first building, Irvin Hall, began in 1858. Highland was among the first communities in the territory of Kansas, and Highland University was the first college in Kansas. Established by missionaries from the Presbyterian Church, Highland University evolved over time, losing its affiliation with the Presbyterian Church, having seven name changes, gaining local support, and becoming a regional rural community college.