Harry F. Estill was the fifth president of SHSU (1908-1937), the longest serving president of the university.

Estill was a graduate of Sam Houston Normal Institute's first class in 1880, and later, at age 22, succeeded his father, Charles P. Estill, teaching Latin and English. After serving other administrative roles, Estill served as president for 29 years. Upon his retirement he was honored with the title president emeritus.

His daughter, Mary, taught English at SHSC and wrote the book Vision Realized about the school’s history.

His death on February 12 came 40 years prior to the day of the fire that destroyed the Main Building.

The college's second library, built in 1929, was dedicated to Estill; a dormitory built in 1960 carries the name of his wife, Loulie Estill. Additionally, the Estill Window, one of many stained glass windows, was placed in the Memorial Hall of Old Main and dedicated April 21, 1955.