University History

An exhibition on President Lyndon Baines Johnson and his commitment to education was installed in the Alkek Teaching Theater for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of LBJ's signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Johnson (B.S. '30) taught school in Cotulla to earn money so he could return to San Marcos and finish his degree. His experiences at the Welhausen School helped fuel his life-long commitment to education. Johnson returned to Cotulla in 1966 and gave an address at the Welhausen School, where he met with his former students. Photographs of this event are included here, courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel C. Garcia through an agreement with the Special Collections and Archives, Texas State University.

In November 1965, Johnson arranged to sign the Higher Education Act on the campus of his alma mater; the front of Old Main was chosen for the location of the signing ... until rain changed the venue to the gym (now the Music Building). Quotes from oral histories with campus faculty and staff tell the story.

Johnson returned to the Texas State campus many times after graduation: as a congressman, as a vice president, as president, and as a former president. He gave commencement speeches, attended homecoming activities, and stepped into a classroom to talk with the students.