This exhibit will give insight into the past of the Island University. From its humble beginnings as a Baptist University to its current standing as a member of the A&M System. The growth and change throughout the years is what made us who we are today. Our pride is not only for what the University is doing right now but also in its journey.

Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi began as an idea from Aubria A. Sanders, the pastor from First Baptist Church of Beeville. He thought that opening a Baptist College in the area would be a benefit to local economy and develop leadership in the area. In the spring of 1946, the Navy began to remove its personnel from Chase Field in Beeville, Texas and return the base to the city. The city leaders welcomed the idea of a college taking over this now empty Navy base in order to counteract the negative hit to the economy. Negotiations were underway to lease the facility while the college began to take shape. The first name of Arts and Technological College was adopted in 1947. E.S. Hutcherson was elected as the first president of the college in 1947 by the Board of Trustees who also hired Raymond M. Cavness as the first dean of the college, he would resign a few months later and John Cobb would step into this role. Sadly, Aubria A. Sanders passed away in 1947 and would not see his idea take shape. As the college becomes a more concrete idea the Board of Trustees vote to move the college from Beeville to Corpus Christi and classes begin at Cuddihy Field.