Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Kingsville, Kleberg County, Texas
Marker Inscription
As the state sought to expand its normal college system to train teachers, local Kingsville citizens, such as J.N. Bigbee, Maria Toner, Charles Flato, Claude Pollard, R.J Kleberg, and Caesar Kleberg, demonstrated the town’s suitability for just such a program. On July 14, 1917, the state normal school board of regents voted to establish a normal college in Kingsville. Due to U.S. entry into World War I, the college did not open until June 8, 1925. Robert Bartow cousins served as the college’s first president from 1924 to 1932, during which time the school chose the Javelina as its mascot and blue and gold as its colors. The president’s home and Manning Hall were the first buildings completed, designed in the mission revival style to reflect south Texas’ heritage and establish a cohesive vision for the overall campus. In 1929, the school became known as Texas College of Arts and Industries as it added technical training, most notably in agriculture, engineering, and industry. In 1951, Richard M. Kleberg, benefactor and representative of the King Ranch, donated 500 acres to build a new college farm, and the campus continued to grow. With a national championship team and Coach Gil Steinke, the school was the first in the lone star conference to integrate its football team, and the campus was also a center for activism in the Chicano movement. In 1967, the school changed its name to Texas A&I university and decades later joined the texas a&m system in 1989. Its name changed to Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1993. Today, the school is known for its academic programs, especially in agriculture, engineering, education, and music, as well as its strong javelina spirit.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Kingsville citizens won a state normal (teacher-training) college in 1917, though World War I delayed its opening until 1925 under first president Robert Bartow Cousins, when it adopted the Javelina mascot and blue-and-gold colors. Renamed the Texas College of Arts and Industries in 1929, it grew with King Ranch land gifts and became a hub of the Chicano movement and the first Lone Star Conference school to integrate its football team. After stints as Texas A&I, it joined the Texas A&M System in 1989 and took its present name in 1993.
Why it matters
The university's history mirrors South Texas itself—from teacher training and agricultural education to a center of Mexican American activism and the integration of college athletics.
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Related people
- · Robert Bartow Cousins
- · Richard M. Kleberg
- · Gil Steinke
Related events
- · Chicano movement
Themes & tags
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