Founded in 1849 by Princeton-educated Presbyterian missionary Dr. Daniel Baker, Austin College enjoys a place in early Texas history and remains a recognized leader in higher education for innovative programs, a strong faculty, and dedicated students.
Austin College was granted a charter signed by Texas Governor George Wood in November of 1849. Modeled after those of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, that charter remains in use today, making Austin College the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under its original name and charter, as recognized by the State Historical Survey Committee.
The College opened in Huntsville and admitted its first class in the fall of 1850. Its original building still stands in Huntsville. Two presidents of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston and Anson Jones, served on the original board of trustees. Three yellow fever epidemics, the Civil War, and difficult economic conditions prompted the College’s relocation to north Texas.
Austin College moved to Sherman, a more promising area, in 1876. The College became coeducational in 1918, and in 1930, merged with Texas Presbyterian College, an institution for women. The Depression and World War II temporarily interrupted expansion and development. Then, beginning in the 1950s, the College engaged in extensive review and experimentation aimed at improving the traditional liberal arts curriculum. In 1972, the College adopted the comprehensive educational program that continues to shape much of the academic life and curriculum of the College.
The College celebrated its Sesquicentennial in 1999, highlighting 150 years of quality education and a history of learning, leadership, and lasting values. A related $120 million campaign resulted in substantial growth on campus. The College also enjoyed record enrollment and continued excellence among students and faculty.
In 2009, Austin College welcomed its first woman president, 15th in the history of the College. Dr. Marjorie Hass continues the strong leadership of her predecessors in leading the College to aspirations of continued excellence and reputation.
Since its founding by the Brazos Presbytery, Austin College has been associated with the Presbyterian Church. The covenant relationship the College maintains today with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provides a distinctive flavor of to the life of the College.
More History …
The first college in Texas to grant a graduate degree, Austin College has a heritage that is unsurpassed in Texas higher education, a heritage enriched and invigorated by innovative programs, faculty, and facilities. After celebrating more than 150 years of service, Austin College is distinguished in its commitment to learning, leadership and lasting values. Dr. Daniel Baker, principal organizer of the college in 1849, was a Princeton-educated Presbyterian missionary. From its founding by Brazos Presbytery, Austin College has been related to the Presbyterian Church and that relationship has given distinctive influence to its rich history.
With General Sam Houston and Anson Jones, presidents of the Republic of Texas, on the original Board of Trustees, Austin College was granted a charter in November 1849. This charter was modeled after those of Harvard, Yale and Princeton and is still in use today. The college opened in Huntsville and admitted its first class in the fall of 1850.
In 1876 Austin College moved to Sherman, “a more promising area.” This relocation was precipitated by three yellow fever epidemics, the Civil War years and difficult economic conditions during the reconstruction period.
Austin College became coeducational in 1918. In 1930 the college merged with Texas Presbyterian College, an institution for women. Expansion and development were interrupted by the Depression and World War II. Beginning in the 1950s, the college engaged in extensive experimentation aimed at improving the traditional liberal arts curriculum. In 1972, the college began to install the comprehensive educational program that with some modifications still shapes the academic life and curriculum of the college.
Today, Austin College’s fully networked 60-acre campus includes excellent facilities such as the Abell Library Center, Lyndall Finley Wortham Center, Caruth Administration Building, Arthur Hopkins Social Science Center, Sherman Hall which houses the humanities faculty, and Ida Green Communication Center, which contains a 550-seat theater, an art gallery, television studios and conference rooms. The Jordan Family Language House features state-of-the-art technology to support foreign language study in a total-immersion residence hall. The Robert J. and Mary Wright Campus Center provide the most modern home for student activities and social events. The Robert T. Mason Athletic/Recreation Complex provides state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities for both students and staff.
The campus provides a delightful mixture of architectural landmarks as well as ample modern facilities. In the early 1970s, Austin College acquired a 28.7-acre recreational site on Lake Texoma, one of the largest lakes ever built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Located within 30 minutes driving distance, the Robbie Kubela Rogers Lake Campus of Austin College is used by members of the college community for recreational activities, retreats, meetings and camping. The college also operates three environmental research areas in Grayson County.
The campus reflects the philosophy of Austin College. There is a mixture of old and new; there is tradition but no overdependence on traditional educational methods; there is pride in the past and excitement about the future.
