Signing of the Higher Education Act
"Lyndon Johnson returned to his alma mater on November 8, 1965, to sign the Higher Education Act, one of the most important pieces of legislation to be enacted during his presidency and a cornerstone of his Great Society." -- Connections: Lyndon B. Johnson in San Marcos, p.32.
For the story of the signing, along with photographs and remarks made by President Johnson upon signing the Higher Education Act, see Connections: Lyndon B. Johnson in San Marcos, pages 32-41. Johnson's remarks are also available on the 2008-2009 Common Experience Website, "Civic Responsibility and the Legacy of LBJ," and on the American Presidency Project Website.
Photographs (from archives series 80.300.LBJ)
The President and First Lady arrive by helicopter
Walking with the crowd
On the way to the gym
Signing moved indoors because of rain (1)
Signing moved indoors because of rain (2)
Signing moved indoors because of rain (3)
The crowd gathered in the gym
News cameras
LBJ at the podium
View from the desk
With Jesse C. Kellam
With J.J. "Jake" Pickle
Photograph from the 1971(?) exhibit
HEA 20th Anniversary Sculpture 1985
HEA 20th Anniversary Sculpture - Plaque 1985
Contact Information
University Archives
Alkek Library, Room 580
Research by appointment
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
The University Archives is located on the 5th floor of the Alkek Library. Research appointments are generally available Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 4:30pm (excluding holidays and energy conservation days).
Research appointments are required to allow time for retrieval of offsite materials, to reserve research space, and to allow staff to sanitize the space between researchers. Walk-in assistance is dependent on staff and space availability, as researchers with appointments are given priority. As a reminder, masks are required at all times while in the Alkek Library and in the University Archives.
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Oral Histories
As Texas State prepared for the 100th anniversary of LBJ's birthday in 2008, an oral history project was launched to help document Johnson's impact on the local community and beyond. Of the forty-five or so interviews collected by Barbara Thibodeaux, nine are noted to contain references to the Higher Education Act. Transcripts of those interviews are included here.
LBJ Lecture Series
"The Lyndon B. Johnson Distinguished Lecture Series ... was inauguraged in 1982 by President Emeritus Robert Hardesty. But the series itself was Johnson's idea." Connections: Lyndon B. Johnson in San Marcos, p.42
Two of the lectures specifically addressed the Higher Education Act. The (unedited) transcripts for these lectures are provided here.
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William Ford lecture, 1985The Higher Education Act After 20 Years: Old Dreams and New Realities
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Richard Riley lecture, 1995American Optimism and the Advance of Education
With an introduction by Robert L. Hardesty: The Higher Education Act on Its 30th Birthday
Commemorations and Anniversaries
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Higher Education Act Plaque
LBJ Presidential Library Resources
Additional Resources Related to the Higher Education Act
Staff in the library's Government Information unit can assist researchers with finding more information about the Higher Education Act. Please visit their Web page for contact information or to enter a question via the chat screen.