Austin College

Last updated
Austin College
Austin College logo.svg
MottoNil nisi per aspera
Motto in English
Nothing but the fierce
Type Private liberal arts college
Established1849;175 years ago (1849)
Religious affiliation
 Presbyterian
Academic affiliations
 Oberlin Group
Annapolis Group
CIC
APCU
Endowment $155.4 million (2020) [1]
President Steven O'Day
Administrative staff
104
Students1,223 (2019) [2]
Location
Sherman
,
Texas
,
United States
Campus Suburban, 70 acres (28 ha)
Colors Crimson & Gold [3]
    
Nickname Kangaroos, The Fighting 'Roos
Sporting affiliations
MascotKaty the Kangaroo
Website www.austincollege.edu
Administrative building AdminAC.JPG
Administrative building

Austin College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and located in Sherman, Texas. [4]

Contents

About 1,300 students are enrolled at the college. [5] Students are required to live on campus for the first three years of their education in order to foster a close-knit and community oriented campus lifestyle. Austin College actively promotes study abroad programs; 70% of graduates have at least one international study experience during college, and about 82% of students are involved in research. [6] The college cultivates close interaction between students and professors via a 13:1 [7] student to faculty ratio and an average class size of fewer than 25 students. [8]

Chartered in November 1849, Austin College remains the oldest institution of higher education in Texas to be operating under its original charter and name as recognized by the State Historical Survey Committee. [4] The college was profiled in all three editions of Colleges That Change Lives .

History

Old Main Old Main.GIF
Old Main

The college was founded on October 13, 1849, in Huntsville, Texas, by the Hampden–Sydney [9] and Princeton-educated missionary Daniel Baker. Signed by Texas Governor George Wood, the charter of Austin College was modeled after those of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. [10]

Baker named the school for the Texas historical figure Stephen F. Austin; the original land was donated by the Austin family. Two other important figures in Texas history, Sam Houston and Anson Jones, [4] served on the board of trustees.

Austin College's founding president was Irish-born Presbyterian minister Samuel McKinney, who served as the school's president a second time from 1862 to 1871. [11] Under the tenure of the fourth president of Austin College, Samuel Magoffin Luckett, [12] Austin College had several yellow fever epidemics and complications related to the Civil War. The college relocated to Sherman in 1878.

On January 21 of 1913, Old Main was set ablaze and burnt to the ground in a matter of hours. During the fire, the senior class called the student body together and they committed, in writing, to stand by the college after the fire. The faculty also committed to continue college work the next day. The event galvanized the community. [13] Following the fire, the citizens of Sherman raised $50,000 to help the college rebuild.

The college has boasted such guests as Harry Houdini, Harry Blackstone Sr., Madame Schumann-Heink, William Howard Taft, and George H.W. Bush.

In 1994, Oscar Page joined the community as its 14th president. Under his tenure, 1994–2009, Page increased the school's endowment by nearly 80%, due in large part to his dedicated fundraising efforts as evidenced by the success of the "Campaign for the New Era;" a total of $120 million were raised and the campaign was heralded as the largest fundraiser in Austin College's history. Page orchestrated the construction of Jordan Family Language House, Jerry E. Apple Stadium, the Robert J. and Mary Wright Campus Center, the Robert M. and Joyce A. Johnson 'Roo Suites, and the Betsy Dennis Forster Art Studio Complex; as well as the renovation of the David E. and Cassie L. Temple Center for Teaching and Learning at Thompson House and of Wortham Center, and creation of the John A. and Katherine G. Jackson Technology Center, the Margaret Binkley Collins and William W. Collins, Jr., Alumni Center, and the College Green in Honor of John D. and Sara Bernice Moseley and Distinguished Faculty. [12]

Marjorie Hass joined the campus in 2009 as both its first female and Jewish president. Under her leadership, the college saw the construction of the IDEA Center and two new housing complexes. The IDEA Center is a 103,000 square ft. facility which includes multi-disciplinary and multi-purpose classrooms, laboratories, lecture halls and the largest telescope in the region found in Adams Observatory. It is a LEED Gold certified facility. [14]

Rankings

Academic rankings
Liberal arts
U.S. News & World Report [15] 117
Washington Monthly [16] 116
National
Forbes [17] 250
WSJ/College Pulse [18] 255

Listed in the U.S. News & World Report "Guide to the 331 Most Interesting Colleges", Austin College is ranked #117 on the 2019 list of National Liberal Arts Colleges. Austin College was ranked 79th in 2016. President O'Day took office in 2017, and Austin College slipped to 117th in 2020, the lowest ranking National Liberal Arts College in Texas. [19]

Academics

Austin College offers about 35 majors and pre-professional programs for study, and students can also create a specialized major to match their academic interests. The college has a music program, [20] and supports the Austin College A Cappella Choir and the Sherman Symphony Orchestra [21] made up of students and local musicians, and assorted smaller musical ensembles.

Athletics

Austin College joined the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) on July 1, 2006, replacing Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Austin College was previously a member of the American Southwest Conference (ASC), Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and Texas Conference. In 2017, the Austin College football team joined the Southern Athletic Association in football, while remaining a member of the SCAC across all other sports. [22]

Baseball

In 2007, the first year of participating in the SCAC, the Austin College baseball team won the conference tournament, beating Millsaps College 9–7 in the finals. The Roos finished the season with a win–loss record of 22–25. The tournament win was the first ever conference championship for the Roos and the first time the program had ever been in the Regional tournament. [23] Carl Iwasaki was the head coach for the Roos from 2005 until 2010. He won two coach of the year awards, the first in 2006 while the Roos were still in the ASC and the second, coming in 2007 after the Roos had joined the SCAC. Coach Iwasaki was replaced by James Rise for the 2011 season who coached for four seasons. Under Rise, the Roos went 11–24 in 2011, 8–29 in 2012, 12–29 in 2013, and 6–33 in 2014. [24]

Alumni

Faculty

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Occidental College</span> Private liberal arts college in Los Angeles, California

Occidental College is a private liberal arts college in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887 as a coeducational college by clergy and members of the Presbyterian Church, it became non-sectarian in 1910. It is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast of the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DePauw University</span> Private liberal arts college in Greencastle, Indiana, US

DePauw University is a private liberal arts college in Greencastle, Indiana. It was founded in 1837 as Indiana Asbury College and changed its name to DePauw University in 1884. The college has a Methodist heritage and was founded to be an ecumenical institution of national stature, "conducted on the most liberal principles, accessible to all religious denominations and designed for the benefit of our citizens in general".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Southwest Conference</span> College athletic conference

The American Southwest Conference (ASC) is an intercollegiate athletic conference, founded in 1996, whose member schools compete in the NCAA's Division III. The schools are located in Texas and Arkansas. The conference competes in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's track and field, and women's volleyball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference</span> NCAA Division III athletic conference

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), founded in 1962, is an intercollegiate athletic conference which competes in the NCAA's Division III. Member institutions are located in Colorado, Louisiana, and Texas. Difficulties related to travel distances led seven former members to announce the formation of a new Southeastern US-based conference, the Southern Athletic Association, starting with the 2012–13 academic year.

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a public university just outside of Evansville, Indiana. Founded in 1965, USI enrolls 9,750 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arkansas State University</span> Public university in Jonesboro, Arkansas, U.S.

Arkansas State University is a public research university in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System and the second largest university in the state. The university was founded in 1909 and is located atop 1,376 acres on Crowley's Ridge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawrence University</span> Private college and conservatory in Appleton, Wisconsin, US

Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Founded in 1847, its first classes were held on November 12, 1849. Lawrence was the second college in the U.S. to be founded as a coeducational institution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Connecticut State University</span> Public university in New Britain, Connecticut, US

Central Connecticut State University is a public university in New Britain, Connecticut. Founded in 1849 as the State Normal School, CCSU is Connecticut's oldest publicly-funded university. It is made up of four schools: the Ammon College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; the School of Business; the School of Education and Professional Studies; and the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. As of Spring 2022, the university was attended by 8,898 students: 7,054 undergraduate students and 1,844 graduate students. More than half of students live off campus and 96 percent are Connecticut residents. The school is part of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system (CSCU), which also oversees Eastern, Western, and Southern Connecticut State Universities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trinity University (Texas)</span> Private liberal arts college in San Antonio, Texas

Trinity University is a private liberal arts college in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1869, its student body consists of about 2,600 undergraduate and 200 graduate students. Trinity offers 49 majors and 61 minors among six degree programs, and has an endowment of $1.725 billion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamar University</span> Public university in Beaumont, Texas, US

Lamar University is a public university in Beaumont, Texas. Lamar has been a member of the Texas State University System since 1995. It was the flagship institution of the former Lamar University System. As of the fall of 2022, the university enrollment was 17,044 students. Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and named for Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen F. Austin State University</span> Public university in Nacogdoches, Texas

Stephen F. Austin State University is a public university in Nacogdoches, Texas. It was founded as a teachers' college in 1923 and subsequently renamed after one of Texas's founding fathers, Stephen F. Austin. Its campus resides on part of the homestead of Thomas Jefferson Rusk. On May 11, 2023, the university joined the University of Texas System; it was previously one of two public universities in the state not affiliated with one of Texas's seven university systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sul Ross State University</span> Public university in Alpine, Texas

Sul Ross State University (SRSU) is a public university in Alpine, Texas. The main campus is the primary institution of higher education serving the nineteen-county Big Bend region of far West Texas. Branch campuses, branded as Rio Grande College, are located in Del Rio, Uvalde, Eagle Pass, and Castroville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas Lutheran University</span> Private university in Seguin, Texas, US

Texas Lutheran University (TLU) is a private Evangelical Lutheran university in Seguin, Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southwestern University</span> Private university in Georgetown, Texas, US

Southwestern University is a private liberal arts college in Georgetown, Texas. Formed in 1873 from a revival of collegiate charters granted in 1840, Southwestern is the oldest college or university in Texas. Southwestern offers 40 bachelor's degrees in the arts, sciences, fine arts, and music as well as interdisciplinary and pre-professional programs. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Association of Schools of Music and historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susquehanna University</span> Private university in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Susquehanna University is a private liberal arts college in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, United States. Its name is derived from the original Susquehannock settlers of the region. Founded in 1858 as a missionary institute, it became a four-year liberal arts college in 1895. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Susquehanna is classified among "Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus", though it also has a business school, master's degrees in education and joint-degree programs in engineering and for a Master of Business Administration. It also offers the only bachelor's degree in luxury brand marketing and management in the U.S.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Presbyterian College</span> Presbyterian college in Clinton, South Carolina, US

Presbyterian College (PC) is a private Christian liberal arts college in Clinton, South Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1880 and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Concordia University Texas</span> Private university in Austin, Texas, U.S.

Concordia University Texas is a private university in Austin, Texas. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and online degrees as well as an adult degree program for part-time and returning students.

Whitworth University is a private Christian university that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and located in Spokane, Washington. Founded in 1890, Whitworth enrolls nearly 2,600 students and offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southwestern Pirates football</span> Football program representing Southwestern University

The Southwestern Pirates football team represents Southwestern University in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) intercollegiate football competition. After a brief period of prominence during the Second World War, the school disbanded its football program in April 1951 due to budgetary constraints.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Texas Rio Grande Valley</span> Public university in Texas, US

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a public research university with multiple campuses throughout the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. It is the southernmost member of the University of Texas System. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 after the consolidation of the University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College and the University of Texas–Pan American.

References

  1. ↑ As of June 30, 2020. U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 (Report). National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. February 19, 2021. Archived from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  2. ↑ "U. S. News". Archived from the original on 2019-02-25. Retrieved 2019-02-25.
  3. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-07-07.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. 1 2 3 Austin College Archived 2015-06-08 at the Wayback Machine , Austin College History.
  5. ↑ Austin College Archived June 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine , Austin College Life.
  6. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-06-03. Retrieved 2014-08-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. ↑ "Indicator". Archived from the original on 2022-07-31. Retrieved 2020-02-07.
  8. ↑ Austin College Archived 2013-08-18 at the Wayback Machine , Austin College Faculty.
  9. ↑ "An Army of Good Men". The Record. Hampden–Sydney College. Archived from the original on 2012-01-11. Retrieved 2014-04-02.
  10. ↑ "History". www.austincollege.edu. November 2009. Archived from the original on 2015-06-08. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  11. ↑ Williams, Amelia W. (June 15, 2010). "MCKINNEY, SAMUEL". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on September 20, 2015. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  12. 1 2 "Past Presidents". www.austincollege.edu. 22 January 2013. Archived from the original on 2019-04-11. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  13. ↑ "Lost Buildings of Austin College 1". abell.austincollege.edu. Archived from the original on 2015-09-08. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  14. ↑ "IDEA Center". www.austincollege.edu. November 2009. Archived from the original on 2015-11-09. Retrieved 2015-11-12.
  15. ↑ "2023-2024 National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings". U.S. News & World Report . September 18, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  16. ↑ "2023 Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings". Washington Monthly . August 27, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  17. ↑ "America's Top Colleges 2023". Forbes . September 27, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  18. ↑ "2024 Best Colleges in the U.S." The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse. September 6, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  19. ↑ "Austin College". U.S. News & World Report. Archived from the original on 2014-01-06. Retrieved 2014-01-06.
  20. ↑ "music program". austincollege.edu. November 2009. Archived from the original on 2022-07-31. Retrieved 2018-04-26.
  21. ↑ "www.shermansymphony.com". shermansymphony.com. Archived from the original on 2022-04-11. Retrieved 2022-07-31.
  22. ↑ "Austin College Football to Join SAA as Affiliate Member". acroos.com. 18 November 2015. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  23. ↑ "Austin College Magazine" (PDF). June 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-01-28. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  24. ↑ "SCAC". scacsports.com. Archived from the original on 2015-11-28. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  25. ↑ Clayton, Lawrence. "Adams, Ramon (1889-1976)". Encyclopedia of the Great Plains. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  26. ↑ Steinberg, Jacques (March 29, 1997). "From Religious Childhood To Reins of a U.F.O. Cult". New York Times. Archived from the original on June 16, 2008. Retrieved May 8, 2008.
  27. ↑ "Texas House of Representatives". Texas House of Representatives.
  28. ↑ Stowers, Carlton, and Carroll Pickett, Within These Walls: Memoirs of a Death House Chaplain, ISBN   978-0-312-28717-7, St. Martin's Press, 2002, Google Books Archived July 31, 2022, at the Wayback Machine
  29. ↑ Biographical Souvenir of the State of Texas: Containing Biographical Sketches of the Representative Public, and Many Early Settled Families. Chicago: F. A. Battey & Company. 1889. pp. 795–96 – via University of North Texas Libraries.

33°38′49.22″N96°35′50.16″W / 33.6470056°N 96.5972667°W / 33.6470056; -96.5972667

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.