History

Authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1899, Southwest Texas State Normal School opened its doors in 1903. Over the years, the Legislature broadened the institution's scope and changed its name, in succession, to Normal College, Teachers College, College, and in 1969, University. Each name reflects the university's growth from a small teacher preparation institution to a major, multipurpose university.

SWT's original mission was to prepare Texas public school teachers, especially those of the south central area. It became renowned for carrying out this mission, but today it does far more. Besides educating teachers in its School of Education, the university offers programs in Schools of Applied Arts and Technology, Business, Fine Arts and Communication, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, and Science. In 1986, the College of General Studies was created to assure a broad general education for all students, regardless of major.

As the university's student population has grown-from 330 in 1903 to over 21,000 in 1990 - the campus, too, has expanded, and today SWT is the seventh largest public university in the state. Overlooking the campus and serving as a landmark since 1903 is Old Main, a red-gabled Victorian building restored to its original grandeur. In 1979, after adding a number of classroom buildings and residence halls, the university purchased the former San Marcos Baptist Academy adjacent to the original campus. Recently completed is a new library, conveniently in the center of the campus. SWT is located in San Marcos, a Hill Country community about halfway between Austin and San Antonio. Its location on the banks of the San Marcos River provides recreational and leisure activities for students throughout the year.

Southwest Texas became part of the Texas State University System in 1911. That system is governed by a nine-member Board of Regents. Other components in the system include Angelo State University, Lamar University-Beaumont, Lamar University Institute of Technology, Lamar University-Orange, Lamar University-Port Arthar, Sam Houston State University and Sul Ross State University. The first president was Mr. T. G. Harris, who served from 1903 to 1911. He was followed by Dr. C. E. Evans, 1911-1942; Dr. J. G. Flowers, 1942-1964; Dr. James H. McCrocklin, 1964-1969; Dr. Leland E. Derrick (acting), 1969; Dr. Billy Mac Jones, 1969-1973; Mr. Jerome C. Cates (interim), 1973-1974; Dr. Lee H. Smith, 1974-1981; Mr. Robert L. Hardesty, 1981-1988; Dr. Michael L. Abbott (interim), 1988-1989; and Dr. Jerome H. Supple, 1989-present

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