Pioneering Higher Education in East Texas

The absence of an institution of higher learning to train teachers in East Texas became obvious in the early 20th century. "Normal institutes" or ad hoc college courses were important statewide attempts to supplement the educational level of the teachers in rural school systems. The Legislature's decision in 1909 to abolish the community school system in favor of public school systems further increased demand for trained teachers. To address the needs of the east Texas region, the Legislature in 1915 authorized the placement of a normal college east of the 96th meridian. Legislative, sectional, and political difficulties delayed the charters until 1917. By the time the schools were funded in 1921, the state had passed the compulsory education law for children and the certification law for teachers, creating a huge demand for educated instructors in Texas. In the rural districts of Texas, 24% of public school teachers had not completed high school, 22% had normal college training, and 13% were graduates of other college and university programs.

Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College opened in 1923. The faculty consisted of 24 instructors selected by President Alton W. Birdwell. The majority of the educators' degrees came from Texas universities, but other major national institutions were represented. The vast majority of students came from east Texas, particularly the counties surrounding Nacogdoches.

The early faculty, staff, and students of Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College transformed teaching into a profession in east Texas while making education an attainable goal in the region. These men and women laid the foundation for public education in east Texas. (1999)