Texas A&M University–Commerce is a member of the Texas A&M University System located in Commerce, Texas, within the boundaries of the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex. Though the primary campus itself is located in Hunt County, this university also has campuses in Dallas and Mesquite, Texas, and it conducts classes in McKinney, Texas, as well as in Mount Pleasant, Texas.

History

This University began as the East Texas Normal College in 1889 when founder William Leonidas Mayo opened the doors to a one-building campus in Cooper, Texas. After the original campus was destroyed by a fire in 1894, Mayo moved the college to its present location in Commerce, Texas.

The State of Texas purchased the campus from Mayo in 1917 (after receiving word that the State would purchase the campus, Mayo son died), and the State changed its name to the East Texas State Normal College. In 1923, the school was renamed the East Texas State Teachers College. This name was chosen despite Commerce being located in the North Texas geographic region. There were already schools named North, South, and West Texas State college, and this college was the eastmost of these four. [This, ETSU was not etablished in a place like Tyler, Nachdoches or Beaumont, which are farther east.]The graduate school fo this college was added in 1935.

In 1957, the state Legislature, recognizing that the purpose of the institution had broadened from teacher education, changed the name of the college to East Texas State College. Following the inauguration of the first doctoral program in 1962, the name was changed to East Texas State University (ETSU).

ETSU opened up branch locations in Mesquite, Texas, Dallas, and Texarkana, Texas. In 1996, this university was transferred to the Texas A&M University System, and it became the Texas A&M University–Commerce. The Texarkana branch separated from the Commerce college, and it became Texas A&M University-Texarkana, a separately administered and funded university.

Texas A&M University–Commerce has the second largest enrollment in the Texas A&M System. Only the main campus of the Texas A&M University - at College Station, Texas, has a higher enrollment.

Student Life

The university is home to over 115 registered student organizations, notably Greek Societies, which play an important role in the social scene at TAMU-C. There are also numerous religious organizations and special interest organizations for students of specific majors. Recently, a new student recreation center was completed which includes among other things: a rock climbing wall, outdoor lap-pool, outdoor hot tub, sand volleyball, basketball and tennis.

Also, a new state-of-the-art planetarium was recently completed as part of the new science building, where students, faculty and visitors enjoy watching movies on the planetarium ceiling as they are seated almost fully reclined. It has been considered one of the most important and modern planetariums on a university campus in the southeastern United States.

The campus was recently (Spring 2009) renovated to improve the student experience. A new Student Center was constructed, parking was added, and sidewalks and walkways were improved. A new music building is currently under construction, projected to open in the fall of 2010.

Home to many Photography majors, it offers "Photo Society", which the students go on shooting trips and take pictures for the school newspaper.

Fraternities-Kappa Alpha Psi,Alpha Phi Alpha,Phi Beta Sigma,Kappa Alpha Order,Sigma Chi,Kappa Sigma,Delta Tau Delta,Pi Kappa Alpha,Omega Delta Phi,Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia

Sororities-Delta Sigma Theta,Alpha Kappa Alpha,Zeta Phi Beta,Sigma Gamma Rho,Chi Omega,Kappa Delta,Gamma Phi Beta,Alpha Phi,Kappa Delta Chi,

Religious-Muslim Student Association,Baptist Student Ministries,Wesleyan Student Fellowship,Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship,Lions For Christ,Catholic Student Organization

International Student Organizations-India Student Association - ISATAMUC [106259]

Other-ACM

Newspaper

The East Texan is the weekly student newspaper of TAMU-C. Started in 1915, it is part of the department-based Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, headquartered in the Journalism Building. Circulation is 3,000.

Athletics

The university is a part of the Lone Star Conference (Division II), a 15-member league that spans three states (Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico). A flagship member, TAMU-C remains from the original league formed in 1931.

TAMU-C offers 5 men's sports: football, basketball, golf, cross country, and track and field; as well as 6 women's sports: basketball, soccer, volleyball, golf, cross country, and track and field.

Guy Morriss was named the head coach of the football team in January 2009.

Summer Activities

Located approximately one hour north east of Dallas, TAMU-C attracts students and visitors from the metroplex. During the summer, TAMU-C provides and hosts a variety of summer camps for children of all ages and interests.

External links

• Texas A & M University-Commerce Homepage
• The East Texan Newspaper

References