| CRLA History |
History of CRLAHonoring the people, milestones, and moments that shaped the College Reading & Learning Association. OverviewA snapshot of CRLA’s evolution and impact.
The College Reading & Learning Association began in 1966 as the Western College Reading Association (WCRA), founded by a small but determined group of professionals who believed college reading specialists needed their own organization, voice, and professional community. What began as a regional association quickly grew in scope, influence, and mission. Over time, the organization expanded beyond reading to include learning assistance, tutoring, developmental education, counseling, writing, mathematics support, and student success. In 1983, the name changed to Western College Reading and Learning Association (WCRLA), and in 1989 it became the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), reflecting its broad national and international reach. Across the decades, CRLA has advanced the profession through conferences, publications, certification programs, ethical guidelines, scholarships, professional standards, and collaboration with sister organizations. Today, CRLA remains a leading professional home for those committed to supporting learners in higher education. Quick FactsFounded
1966
Original Name
WCRA
Current Name Since
1989
Scope
National & International
Signature Program
Tutor Certification
Key Publication
Journal of College Reading and Learning
“At one-thirty A.M., the Saturday before Thanksgiving, 1966, in room 202 of the then Holiday Inn, San Bernardino, California, about 20 of those remaining at a five-and-one-half-hour meeting signed the blood oath… It may not have been an auspicious inception, but it was colorful and collegially contentious.”— Gene Kerstiens, describing the birth of WCRA Important FiguresLeaders and contributors who shaped CRLA.
Gene Kerstiens
Gene Kerstiens
Founding Voice
A key early leader who documented CRLA’s origin story and helped preserve the association’s institutional memory during its formative years. Frank Christ
Frank Christ
Early Leader & Publications Pioneer
Served as President-Elect in the early years, edited the first quarterly newsletter, and later edited conference proceedings that helped document the field’s growth. Robert Griffin
Robert Griffin
Early President
Elected president during WCRA’s early organizational period when the constitution was adopted, officers were formally elected, and dues were established. Martha Maxwell
Martha Maxwell
Scholar & Standards Leader
A major contributor to the profession, Maxwell later served as CRLA’s first director on the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education and helped shape CAS standards. Moments in TimeKey milestones across decades.
1966
WCRA is founded in San Bernardino, California, after a late-night meeting of college reading professionals committed to building a new association. 1967
The constitution is adopted, officers are elected, annual dues are set at $5.00, and the organization begins formal operations. 1968
WCRA holds its first annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona, establishes a placement clearinghouse, and continues rapid membership growth across the western region and Canada. 1972
WCRA incorporates and files its constitution and bylaws with the Corporation Commission of New Mexico. 1977
Formal liaisons with other professional organizations begin, the archivist role is created, and a graduate scholarship fund is established. 1983
The organization becomes the Western College Reading and Learning Association (WCRLA), reflecting a broader community that includes learning assistance, tutorial programs, writing, mathematics, counseling, and developmental studies. 1983
Conference proceedings are replaced by the Journal of College Reading and Learning, a double-blind juried journal that strengthens CRLA’s scholarly presence. 1989
The association officially becomes the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), acknowledging its reach across the United States, Canada, and beyond. 1990s
CRLA matures as a national professional association, expanding scholarships, awards, strategic planning, liaison work, and standards development. 2000s
CRLA adopts major professional statements and ethics guidelines, expands electronic communication, strengthens tutor certification, and continues serving the evolving field of student learning and success. Past Events & MilestonesConferences, launches, and defining moments.
April 1968 • Annual Conference
First Annual WCRA ConferenceHeld at the Ramada Inn in Phoenix, Arizona, under the theme Creating Opportunities for Skillful Reading. This conference began the enduring tradition of gathering members for professional learning and collegial exchange. 1967 • Publication Launch
Quarterly Newsletter BeginsEdited by Frank Christ, the newsletter launched in September 1967 and became one of the organization’s earliest tools for communication and professional connection. 1977 • Professional Support
Graduate Scholarship Fund EstablishedWCRA created a $1,000 scholarship fund to support graduate students pursuing degrees relevant to the association’s mission and professional interests. 1983 • Scholarly Expansion
Journal of College Reading and LearningWCRLA replaced conference proceedings with a double-blind juried journal, marking an important step in the organization’s scholarly development. 1980s • Certification Development
ITTPC is CreatedThe International Tutor Training Program Certification was developed to better define the preparation needed for peer tutors and became a foundational part of CRLA’s professional impact. 2002–2003 • Professional Standards
Rights & Ethics Statements AdoptedCRLA adopted a Position Statement on the Rights of Adult Readers and Learners in 2002 and Guidelines for Professional Ethics in 2003, reinforcing its leadership in the field. |
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