In the summer of 1974, Larry Fisher, a Peace Corps volunteer returning from Turkey, taught an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at the University of Colorado Boulder for Japanese students. Larry and other returning Peace Corps volunteers discussed the need for a formal Intensive English Program at CU Boulder.

George Goulette and Ruth Purkable contacted the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to seek approval to establish an Intensive English Program at CU Boulder. After filing the appropriate paperwork, the commission approved the creation of the new program.

The Intensive English Center opens its doors as part of the Division of Continuing Education. Along with Continuing Education, the IEC is located in the Academy Building. The IEC opens with 44 students mostly from the Arabian Gulf countries of Iran and Saudi Arabia with a few students from South America and Japan. Jean C. Engler is the IEC’s first director (1975-1994).

During its first year, the IEC has 357 students from 22 countries. The IEC, along with the Intensive English Programs at the University of Denver and CU Denver, is part of the founding group of the Colorado affiliate of TESOL International, now known as CoTESOL. Over the years, IEC faculty have remained involved in this professional organization by presenting at conferences, holding many offices, organizing the yearly conference, and helping CoTESOL to grow.

The IEC has between 568-632 students each year.

The IEC suffers a fire at the end of the Fall I session that destroys most of the Academy Building and its equipment, furnishings, materials, and records. The 1980 Fall II session is able to proceed after the fire, using CU Boulder campus classrooms. The faculty and staff, within a week of the fire, move the IEC to its second location, the University Hill Primary School near campus.

The IEC leaves the Division of Continuing Education and becomes a part of Academic Services. The IEC offers special programs of English study in addition to the regular intensive program. The Intensive English Center is renamed the International English Center.

The IEC moves to two university-owned buildings on Grandview Avenue, a block north of the CU Boulder campus.

The number of students per session increases from 70 students to 140. As the IEC grows, it rents and remodels more of the university-owned houses in the Grandview Avenue area, eventually renting all or part of seven properties.

The IEC leaves Academic Services and rejoins the Division of Continuing Education. The IEC also begins to use computers. Staff and faculty have access to computers and a computer lab where students can learn word processing and use ESL software.

Nancy Storer is appointed as interim director (1994-1995).

Keith Maurice is hired as the IEC’s second director (1995-2000).

The Global Business Communication (GBC) program is created in order to teach business English to professionals from around the world. Many of the program’s students come from Japan.

The IEC moves to its current location, 1030 13th Street, “on the Hill.”

The IEC celebrates its 25th year as an Intensive English Program and is successful in becoming one of the first IEPs to be accredited by the new Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). The linguistics department becomes the IEC’s academic link to the University of Colorado. Bob Jasperson, an IEC lecturer, is named interim director and then becomes the director (2000-2004).

The IEC begins offering non-intensive English courses for degree students, which were previously handled by the Linguistics department.

Instructors Debra Daise and Charl Norloff become interim co-directors of the IEC (2004-2006).

The IEC receives 10-year reaccreditation from the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA).

Cathy Murillo is hired as the IEC director (2006-2012).

IEC students start volunteering throughout the year in the Boulder and CU-Boulder community.

The IEC has its first “Green Day,” one day per semester dedicated to celebrating and learning about the environment.

The IEC completes a review and revision of its curriculum and class schedule in response to increased enrollments and a change in the student population. An electives program is launched to supplement students’ intensive English classes with additional optional instruction in test preparation, language skills, and other community-based activities not normally taught in the regular IEP classes.

Patricia Juza is hired as the IEC director (2013-2019).

The University of Colorado Boulder Dean’s Council approves a Conditional Admissions Program for international undergraduate students.

The IEC enrolls its first students in the ESL Academic Bridge Program for conditionally admitted international undergraduate students.

The first ESL Academic Bridge Program student matriculates to the University of Colorado Boulder.

The IEC, in addition to Syracuse University, is selected by the U.S. Department of State to pilot the first EducationUSA Academy: a four-week university preparatory program for international high school students, ages 15-17.

42 ESL Academic Bridge Program students successfully complete the program and matriculate to the University of Colorado Boulder for Fall 2015.

The IEC is one of ten institutions selected by the U.S. Department of State to host an EducationUSA Academy in summer 2016.

The IEC celebrates its 40th anniversary at the Fall II Student Showcase on December 17, 2015 at the University Memorial Center.

Ruth Moore and Susan Fouts are named Interim Co-Directors. (July 2019-present)

The IEC launches the Pathway Track which allows Academic Bridge (conditionally admitted) students to begin earning CU degree credits while they are studying at the IEC.

The IEC delivers all classes remotely (online) for the first time ever due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The IEC is saddened by the loss of Co-Director Susan Fouts. The IEC will always remember her positive spirit, eternal optimism, and deep gratitude for all of life’s lessons.

Ruth Moore is named IEC Director (August 2020-present)