Arcadia University Books

This book is a great source of information concerning both the history of Texas A&M University - Kingsville, as well as the entire area known as south Texas. This is a must for those studying the area, or for those interested in University histories.

This book is very good -- not only for the history of Texas A&M University - Kingsville, but for the history of this area. It is well written and a must have for those studying University histories in the United States.

Institutionalhistories are almost always suspect. Mainly because they're regarded, more often than not, as simply extensions of institutional public relations. Putting the institution's best forward, so to speak. In Texas A&M University--Kingsville, the Hunters have produced a work of substance, not a p/r tract.

The history spans 75 years over nine tightly organized chapters. The origins of Texas A&M University--Kingsville are auspicious. Relegated to after thoughts, South Texas fought tooth and nail to land the Texas State Normal college.

Building a first-class university was not easy. Exhaustive research by the Hunters show us the "trials and triiumphs" of South Texas State Normal College becoming South Texas State Teachers College, then Texas College of Arts & Industries, and finally Texas A&I University with a budding university system of its own until it was absorbed into the Texas A&M University System in 1988.

In the closing chapter, the Hunters synthesize the history and future of Texas A&M University--Kingsville with the title "Proud Past, Promising Future" contextalizing their commentary in the politics of higher education in Texas. "Today," the Hunters note, "Texas A&M University--Kingsville faces the same obstacles and problems that they have historically. Their view of the institution is balanced and fair, and humorous at times. We need more histories of institutions like Texas A&M University--Kingsville. They help to fill in the spaces of memory.