Houston Christian University is celebrating 60 years

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

What began as an idea in the heart of our Founding Fathers led to Houston Baptist College’s establishment in 1960. With a strong foundation to build upon, the institution has become the renowned, national, comprehensive University it is today. Keeping Christian principles at the forefront, the University has retained its character as it has grown.

As we celebrate the Diamond Anniversary, we’re truly celebrating each of you. Students, alumni, supporters, parents, friends, faculty and staff, you are the heart of HCU. We look to the past with gratitude and pride, and we look to the future with eager anticipation.

Then

The Rev. Billy Graham speaks at the inaugural HBC Convocation in 1963.

Now

Students experience “A Higher Education,” combining scholarship, Christian beliefs and student life.

HCU History Timeline

1950s

1957

Houston developer Frank Sharp offers to sell 390 acres of land near the Southwest Freeway to the Union Baptist Association College Committee.

1960s

1960

Following several years of work by HCU’s founding fathers, and pledges of support, Houston Baptist College is chartered.

1962

Dr. William Harwood Hinton is named the first president of Houston Baptist College; construction begins on the Brown Administrative Complex.

1963

Houston Baptist College accepts its first class and welcomes the Rev. Billy Graham for the inaugural convocation; the Reuben Philips Residence College for Men and the Rebecca Bates Philips Residence College for Women open.

1964

The Frank and Lucille Sharp Gymnasium and the Atwood I building are dedicated.

1967

President Hinton awards the first 59 diplomas to the graduating class of Houston Baptist College.

1968

The Moody Library opens.

1969

Dr. Stewart Morris Sr., founding father, and Joella Morris give 10 granite pillars to the University; the statuesque pillars were salvaged from the historic Galveston County Courthouse that survived the hurricane of 1900; Mingo becomes the University mascot.

1970s

1971

Memorial Hospital announces the purchase of a tract of land on the southwest side of campus.

1973

The institution’s name is officially changed to Houston Christian University; five academic colleges are formed.

1975

A $1 million grant from the Cullen Foundation paves the way for the Cullen Science Center.

1976

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation provides a grant to construct The Mabee Teaching Theater.

1977

The Master of Business Administration program, the University’s first graduate offering, begins.

1978

Marilyn McAdams Sibley, former professor and department chair, publishes an early history of HCU: “To Benefit a University: The Union Baptist Association College Property Committee, 1958-1975”.

1980s

1983

1983 The Atwood II building opens; HCU junior Rickie Thompson becomes the first NCAA National Champion in University history by winning in the high jump competition.

1984

Construction begins on the Cullen Science II building to accommodate growth.

1985

The Glasscock Gymnasium is dedicated.

1986

A new campus entrance is constructed on Fondren Road using stately columns and architectural elements formed from the same Texas granite as the 10 columns given by the Morris family.

1987

Dr. Edward Doug Hodo is named the second president of HBU.

1989

The former men’s gymnastics team becomes #1 in the nation in NCAA competition.

1990s

1990

The former women’s gymnastics team earns a national championship.

1995

Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the Hinton Academic Center, a new centerpiece of the campus.

1997

A groundbreaking for the Baugh Center is held; students move into the newly constructed Husky Village Apartments on campus.

1998

The Bible in America Museum (now the Dunham Bible Museum) opens to the public.

1999

The “Legacy Evening with Lady Margaret Thatcher” brings the former prime minister of Great Britain to HBU; the M. Catharine Mest Wing is added to the women’s dormitories.

2000s

2001

General Norman Schwarzkopf is the featured speaker for the Spirit of Excellence Dinner.

2002

The iconic Ornogah yearbook wins first place with distinction from the Associated Collegiate Press, the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, and the Baptist Press Association, as well as a silver medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

2005

HCU is named one of 200 “Colleges of Distinction” nationwide.

2006

Dr. Robert Bryan Sloan is named the third president of HBU.

2007

The Joella & Stewart Morris Cultural Arts Center is dedicated; the Honors College begins.

2008

Dr. Sloan and the HCU Board of Trustees adopt “The Ten Pillars,” a 12-Year vision for the future of the University; the University Academic Center and Hodo Residence College (formerly the Lake House) opens.

2009

Construction is completed on the $1.5 million Sherry and Jim Smith Letourneau Organ in Belin Chapel.

2010s

2010

Dr. Don Looser, vice president emeritus, publishes “An Act of Providence: A History of Houston Christian University, 1960-2010”; former President George W. Bush speaks at the Spirit of Excellence Gala.

2011

HCU is fully admitted back into NCAA Division I Athletics membership and announces acceptance into the Southland Conference.

2014

The first-ever home football game is played in Husky Stadium on Dunham Field; the McNair Plaza is constructed.

2015

HCU dedicates the Belin Tower, named for Dr. & Mrs. J. Bruce Belin, Jr.; HCU announces the Archie W. Dunham College of Business, named following a $15 million gift from Christian business leader Archie Dunham and his wife, Linda.

2016

HCU offers its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Education in Executive Educational Leadership, making HCU a national, comprehensive university; the McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise, named for philanthropists Janice and Robert C. McNair, is established.

2017

HCU launches the Pampell Online Division, named for benefactor Pinky Pampell.

2018

Sherry and Jim Smith, Sr. provide $20 million toward the construction of classroom and laboratory facilities to be utilized by the College of Science and Engineering and the School of Nursing and Allied Health.

2019

A ceremonial groundbreaking is held for the Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty thanks to a more than $10 million gift from the Joella and Stewart Morris Foundation.