The city of Huntsville is located in the piney woods of East Texas between Dallas and Houston. It is the seat of Walker County and home to Sam Houston State University, named in honor of the American statesman, politician, and solider, Samuel Houston (1793-1863).

SHSU opened October 10, 1879 as Sam Houston Normal Institute, the first teacher training school in the southwestern United States.  The first baccalaureate degrees were offered in 1919 and the broadened curriculum prompted a change in name to Sam Houston State Teachers College.  In its 130 years, Sam Houston State University has become a leader in academics, athletics, and research.

Harry Fishburne Estill (1861-1942) ascended to the position of President of Sam Houston Normal Institute in 1908. His father, Charles, taught in Huntsville at Austin College and later at SHNI, where Harry was a member of SHNI’s first graduating class in 1880. After his father's death in 1882, President Joseph Baldwin tapped young Harry to replace his father as an instructor. Following other administrative roles, Estill was elevated to the presidency where he served for 29 years, the longest serving chief executive of the university. The college's second library, built in 1929, was dedicated to Estill.

From pep rallies and parades to entertaining audiences both at home and away, everyone loves Sammy Bearkat. Sam Houston State’s athletic teams have been nicknamed the Bearkats since 1923 but it wasn’t until 1959 that Sammy began appearing at sporting events. He’s had more than his share of facelifts over the last 50 years, but still maintains the fighting sprit deep down within. In 2005 Sammy took home the national championship at the United Spirit Association Collegiate National Championship.

This website documents the changes on the SHSU campus from its inception to the present day, incorporating information about the people that the buildings honor and other prominent campus landmarks.
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In the early 1900s, the Texas Legislature realized the need for Vocational Education to be taught in rural schools across Texas. This initiative led to the establishment of the Department of Agriculture at Sam Houston Normal College in 1909. The following year the new department christened their new home, the Industrial Arts Building, authorized by the 31st Legislature and the fourth permanent building on the SHNI campus. Described as “a handsome structure of red pressed brick and...especially designed for the purpose for which it is used,” the building served the campus until its demolition in 1982. Today the Department of Agricultural and Industrial Sciences celebrates its centennial in teaching agriculture and industrial technology.

The 2008 SHSU Campus Master Plan was approved in November 2008 by the Texas State University System Board of Regents. The plan, submitted by JJR, Inc., calls for new or improved academic space, new residence halls, non-academic structures, and a parking garage. Recommended projects and estimated costs include an addition to the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas building; integrated engineering and technology building; agriculture complex at Gibbs Ranch; biology, nursing and allied health building; forensic science building; College of Business Administration building; and Criminal Justice Center addition. Also suggested are two residence halls in response to the projected growth in student population.
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