Jerome Curtis Cates

Biography

Jerome Curtis "Jack" Cates (1911–2003) was born in Menard, Texas. After graduating from Robstown High Schol in 1930, Cates studied business administration at Texas College of Arts and Industries in Kingsville. He earned his BA and MBA at the University of Texas. Cates worked in the Beeville public school system as a teacher, high school principal, and superintendent for fifteen years before coming to Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1950.

During his time at SWT, he served as the university's business administrator, professor of business administration, chief fiscal officer, vice president of fiscal affairs, and interim president. Cates retired from in 1975 after dedicating twenty-five years of service to the university.

Part of the Texas 150 Oral History Project

Mr. Cates discusses his career as an educator and his time working for Texas State University. He begins by describing his adolescence in Robstown, Texas, and recalling his high school, dating, working, and early teaching experiences in Beeville. Cates discusses how things have changed since he first came to the university, including San Marcos and the campus's growth. He tells of his work as the university's chief financial officer, head of business affairs, and briefly as an accounting professor. He also outlines the college's relationship with San Marcos, from the 1950s through now, and touches on topics such as integration, Lyndon B. Johnson, and changing student attitudes. He shares his opinions on the work of Presidents John Flowers, James McCrocklin, Billy Mac Jones, and Lee Smith. Cates talks about his experience serving as interim president after Billy Mac Jones' resignation, during which he encountered challenges such as the streaking phenomenon that took hold of campus.

Full audio is available for this interview. Reading Room access only.