Lea College, Private college in Albert Lea, Minnesota, US
Lea College was a private institution occupying an 800-acre campus on Lake Chapeau with multiple buildings for student housing. The facility used the former Hotel Albert building as dormitory space and included Christopherson Hall alongside other residential structures.
The college opened in 1966 and operated under the Parsons model developed by Parsons College in Iowa, a network of institutions created to expand educational access. It closed in 1973 after a brief period of operation.
The college attracted students from many different regions and offered opportunities for those who had struggled at other institutions. This type of educational approach focused on second chances and accessible education for a broader range of learners.
The campus sits on a large lakeside property with plenty of space to explore between academic buildings. The structures are spread throughout the expansive grounds, so wear comfortable shoes when visiting the site.
Many male students enrolled during the 1960s specifically to obtain student deferments from military service during the Vietnam War. This common reason for attending shaped much of the student body during that era.
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