Timeline Series 1960s With our upcoming Centennial in 2010, West Texas A&M University takes a look back at the last 99 years. In the months to come, we’ll bring you snippets of WTAMU history through the accounts of the past and photos from days gone by.
A Decade of Growth
WT and the surrounding area saw much development throughout the 1960’s, another decade in the Cornette Era.
West Texas State College became West Texas State University on April 4, 1963. In recognition of this new title, there was now a College of Arts and Sciences, a Graduate School, and professional schools of business and teacher education. By the end of the decade the University had its own Board of Regents, established a School of Agriculture, a School of Fine Arts and created a Department of Nursing with a baccalaureate degree.
The building boom of the 1960’s resulted in Guenther, Hudspeth, Jarrett and Shirley halls, the Classroom Center, Administration Building (JBK), Engineering and Technology Building, Killgore Research Center, South Dining Hall and museum expansions.
On Dec. 1, 1960, the Amarillo-Canyon Expressway opened, allowing students to “drive quickly and safely” to campus.
A Time of Reform and Rebellion
Debates about civil rights, the status of women, the war in Vietnam and a host of other issues instigated student protests across campus and showed the increased tolerance for question within the University.
In 1966, WT students hosted a “bleed-in,” and donated 465 pints of blood as a gesture of support for American foreign policy in Vietnam.
Interesting Facts
Betty Jo Thomas broke the color barrier in 1960.
A mass effort to avoid military service led to an all-time high enrollment of 7,935 in 1969.
Estimated costs totaled $322 a semester. | |
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