UT Tyler 40th Anniversary

• Anniversary
• Welcome from the President
  • Office of the President
• Events
• Gallery
• Leadership
  • President James H. Stewart
  • President George F. Hamm
  • President Rodney H. Mabry
• Memories
• UT Tyler Growth
  • 1970s
  • 1980s
  • 1990s
  • 2000s

• UT Tyler
• UT Tyler 40th Anniversary

UT Tyler 40th Anniversary

1970s Growth

1971

• Texas Legislature approves bill to create Tyler State College, first state university in 14-county East Texas Planning Region.
• First Board of Regents for Tyler State College appointed; Harold J. McKenzie, chairman of the board.

1972

• Dr. James H. Stewart becomes first employee and founding president of Tyler State College on September 1.

1973

• First class of 176 students enrolls.

1974

• First commencement ceremony held.
• Tyler philanthropists James S. Hudnall, George W. Pirtle and Isadore Roosth donate land for 204-acre campus.
• Small Business Institute created.

1975

• Tyler State College becomes Texas Eastern University by action of 64th Texas Legislature. Bill sponsored by State Sen. Peyton McKnight and State Rep. Bill Clark; signed by Gov. Dolph Briscoe.
• First master’s degrees awarded.

1976

• First classes held on new $42 million, nationally-recognized campus.

1979

• University becomes component of UT System by action of 66th Texas Legislature. Bill sponsored by State Sen. Peyton McKnight and State Rep. Bill Clark; signed by Gov. William P. Clements Jr.