The City of Cheney has a rich history linked to education and the Northern Pacific Railroad. Cheney was named after Benjamin P. Cheney, the Chairman of the Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1882, Mr. Cheney gave a $10,000 grant to begin the Cheney Academy. One hundred and eighteen years and four name changes later, Eastern Washington University, an accredited four year college stands in the Academy's original location. EWU offers baccalaureate and masters degree programs in a variety of disciplines. An urban campus in downtown Spokane extends the educational opportunities to working adults and non-traditional students. Today, Cheney still marks a major intersection between the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Railroads.

     Cheney is in the southwest corner of Spokane County, 5 miles from Interstate 90 on State Highway 904, 15 miles to downtown Spokane and 270 miles to Seattle. Fairchild Air Force Base is housed less than 10 miles from downtown Cheney. Continuing with its strong roots in education, the Cheney School District provides a broad instructional base for area residents. The district operates five elementary schools (K-5), one middle school (6-8), and one senior high school (9-12).

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