Rogers' Story of North Texas updated

When The Story of North Texas was published in 1965, it chronicled the 75-year evolution of Texas Normal College into North Texas State University. Recently, author James L. Rogers, Professor Emeritus of journalism, updated and expanded his work to bring the history of UNT into the 21st century. The new Story of North Texas highlights the building of the UNT System.

Granted unlimited archival access, Rogers spent two years researching and documenting the university's history from 1965 to 2001.

According to editor Karen De Vinney, material from the original version was compressed to make room for the additions. The new material constitutes the bulk of the 736-page volume.

Texas Normal College's first classes were held in 1890 on the second floor of a Denton hardware store. In 1899, the college became state owned and operated, beginning its century-long evolution into a multi-campus system with diverse academic programs and an enrollment of nearly 30,000. The new Story of North Texas highlights the building of the UNT System.

Rogers taught journalism at UNT from 1953 to 1996 and served as vice president for administrative affairs from 1965 to 1971 and director of university planning from 1971 to 1978. While the original Story of North Texas was more of a journalistic effort, the 2002 edition reflects the author's administrative experience. Rogers' background allows him to follow the administration through the years and examine the connection between administrative actions and the university's growth.

The Story of North Texas: From Texas Normal College, 1890, to the University of North Texas System, 2001 is available through the UNT Press. UNT faculty, staff, students and alumni receive a 25 percent discount off the list price of $37.95. UNT departments and organizations may purchase copies using IDO at 40 percent off. Contact the UNT Press at 565-2142 or visit the press in Bain Hall, Room 101.

The press also will have books available for purchase at commencement May 11.

BY JOEY NELSON paisradio1@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Coordinating board approves UNT College of Engineering
• Arts patrons give UNT College of Music $1.2 million gift
• MIT dean to speak at TAMS commencement
• Faculty Senate approves proposal about undergraduate admissions policy
• UNT faculty members offer seminars to local teachers
• Elm Fork Explorer's Camp planned this summer
• UNT professor aids in improving hospital food
• Springtime in Texas means keeping an eye on the sky

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