See the Fascinating History of WTAMU as Students Head Back to Class

It's time for a new semester at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas and as students head back to class, it's a chance to look at the history of WTAMU.

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In 1909, the Texas House of Representatives approved a bill to establish a state normal school for educating teachers. On September 9, 1909, it was decided that the location of the school would be in Canyon, Texas.

West Texas State Normal College

On September 20, 1910, 152 students were welcomed to the school, by 16 faculty members and the school's first president R. B. Cousins.

Four years after the first class of West Texas State Normal College the main building caught fire and was destroyed.  However, the building was rebuilt and is known as Old Main today.

A Famous Artist

During the first decade of the college, WTSNC hired artist Georgia O'Keeffe to lead the art department. She was a teacher from fall 1916 to February 1918.  While working at WTSNC, O'Keeffe stayed with Spanish Professor Mary E. Hudspeth.  According to the historical marker, the home was originally located at 402 Palo Duro Street, then moved to its current location.  It served as a residence for faculty and students.  Hudspeth rented the rooms and lived in the home for 33 years.   The home that they stayed still exists in Canyon, Texas, and is known as the Hudspeth House Bed and Breakfast.

School Names

• 1910-1923 - West Texas State Normal College
• 1923-1949 - West Texas State Teachers College
• 1949-1963 - West Texas State College
• 1963-1990 - West Texas State University
• 1990- Present - West Texas A&M University