The catalyst for the formation of the College of Education is when Frank Hubert, then the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, receives an offer from the University of Texas to join its faculty in an administrative position.
When he returns to A&M to speak to President Rudder about the offer, Rudder offers to create a new college at Texas A&M. Within 24 hours, Hubert presents President Rudder with a summary of what would be needed to create a college. The following day Rudder calls Hubert with his support to move forward.
In July, the Coordinating Board and the Texas A&M University System approves the creation of the College of Education. Frank Hubert is selected as Dean.
On September 1, the college officially opens its doors and includes the Departments of Educational Administration, Educational Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Psychology, Health and Physical Education, and Industrial Education. Agricultural Education is jointly administered by the College of Education and the College of Agriculture. In its first semester, the College of Education enrolls 1,307 students. This includes 694 graduate students and 613 undergraduate students.
Four years after its creation, the College of Education moves from the Academic Building to the tower of the M.T. Harrington Education Center named in honor of former student, president, and chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, M.T. Harrington. The $3.5 million facility provides classroom and office space for the Colleges of Education, Liberal Arts and Science.
In the 1970’s, the college focuses on developing a strong, cohesive college by recruiting faculty from major research universities across the nation and by building quality programs. College faculty and staff also begin researching innovations in technology and how it could be incorporated to improve education and health outcomes.
The strong foundation developed in the first decade created momentum for continued success. By the mid 70s, the college is established on campus as a leader both in the preparation of students and advancement of research. In 1977, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits every program of the college, even at the doctoral level.