The Island University: A History of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Book excerpt: Built overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has a history as unique as its location as the nation's only university located on its own island. The university's picturesque island setting was once inhabited by the native Karankawa people and later used as a top-secret military radar training station. The history described in this book gives an account of the growth of the institution beginning with its founding as the University of Corpus Christi in 1947. This small, Baptist-supported private college endured near-constant struggles until Hurricane Celia sealed its fate and led to state sponsorship. Since this transformation, the university has grown its campus, student enrollment, and prominence. Through five names and over the course of its 75-year history, the "Island University" has become the premier institution of higher education in the Coastal Bend Region of South Texas. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi serves a diverse student body consisting of first year students to PhD graduates. With increasing momentum since becoming Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the Island University and its over 50,000 proud Islander Alumni are poised to do great things in the next 75 years.