Recruitment, Admissions, and Enrollment of the First-Freshman Class - Rene Zamora

This history harvest provides a collection of items found in the TAMU-CC Bell Library Archives along with an interview transcript/audio to illuminate a brief history of the recruitment, admission, and enrollment of the first freshman class at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

1992: Preparing for the First Freshman Class

This is a photo of newspaper clippings from the  CCSU Newspaper Article published on 9/18/92.

CCSU Ready to Add Freshmen, Sophomores in '94

This is a photograph of the Corpus Christi State University News (Special Edition) published on September 18, 1992.

The news story shares a photo of Texas Governor Bill Clements surrounded by TAMU System Officials, University leaders and Community members as he signs a bill on May 26, 1989 at a public signing ceremony which makes Corpus Christi State a four-year university in 1994.

The story shares how a week prior, the governor signed into the law the merger the University System of South Texas System into the Texas A&M University System.

Additionally, the news article share a draft of admission criteria for the first freshmen class including high school and testing requirements.

Island Fest Weekend

These are photos from the University News published on September 30, 1992. Click the link to find three photos of new paper clippings.

Island Fest is being marketed to celebrated Corpus Christi State University's expansion to a four-year university.

"CCSU is hosting a weekend of island fun in celebration of of the University's past, present, and future." An Open House occurred on Saturday during the Island Fest weekend and student volunteers served as tour guides.

This event was open to students, educators, and school counselors. The newspaper included the agenda of activities, but also shared that they would be accpeting applications during the upcoming spring semester for freshmen and sophomores interested in enrolling in fall of 1994.

"So come out to CCSU's island university campus & see our plans unfolding."

Could this be considered the first campus preview/recruitment event for freshmen students? 

1993: One Year Until the Freshmen Arrive

Looking for Director of Enrollment Management

The Univeristy News published on January 13, 1993 shared that there were various changes occuring on campus including plans for new buildings and new staff. Dr. Paul Orser, associate vice president for academic affairs presents a new view for the enrollment management activities and announces that a search for a Director of Enrollment Management to coordinate the work of Admissions, Financial Aid, and the Registar's Office will begin in the spring. 

Mailer - Recruiting for the first freshmen class

A CCSU mailer sent to prospective students to inquire to get more information about the university. The mailer shares details about CCSU becoming a four-year comprehensive university that will only be able to admit 400 new freshmen.

Students can mail back the inquiry form to request for a viewbook to be mailed to them.

This mailer was sent while the university was still named Corpus Christi State University. The Library Archives had this in a folder from 1995, however the university was already renamed to TAMU-CC by then.

"In Fall 1994, we open our doors for the first time to freshman and sophomore students. We will be able to accept 400 freshman students as part of our charter class as a four-year, comprehensive univeristy."

University Proposes and Moves Fast to Build Dorms

The news aticles from April 19, 1993 shares that the university was reviewing proposals for new dorms and they would make a recommednation to the TAMUS Board of Regents. The June 7, 1993 newpaper article shares that the Board of Regents approved and that construction would be compelted by August 1994. 

Dr. Chenaux metioned that having attractive on-campus housing would make the univeristy attractive to new freshmen and sophomores. 

The univeristy changes its name to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi on September 1, 1993 after a 6 to 2 Regents' vote during a meeting on on March 5, 1993. - CCSU News 3/10/93 

Admissions Budget 1993-1994

This budget sheet was found in the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Operating Budget (book) Fiscal Year Ending Augsut 31, 1994. 

This budget sheet showcases the number of staff working the the Admissions Office and the budget outlines their wages and other expenses possibly for recruitment efforts. 

TAMU-CC 1994-1995 Catalog - Admissions

The 1994-95 catalog was published to include freshman admission requirements, deadlines, and policies. 

Admissions Application for 1994

This is a photo of a 1994 application that freshman would have to complete if they wished to attend TAMU-CC. 

Postcards

These postcards may have been shared to promote the uniqueness of the univeristy for recruitment/outreach purposes.  

1994 - The First Freshman Class Enrolls! 

Registration/Orientation for First Freshman Class

Island Waves newspapers show dates for early freshman registration and freshman orientation. 

Freshman Testimonials - Why I Chose TAMU-CC

The attached Island Waves newspaper images include written testimonials for why students decided to stay local or move to Corpus Christi to attend TAMU-CC.

Fall 1994 Enrollment

The overal enrollment for fall 1994 at TAMU-CC was 5,124 students.

According to the newpaper story, they shared the the Caller Times reported that 43% of freshmen were from within a 50 mile radias of Corpus Christi,  23% are from San Antonio, 13% are from the upper Texas coast, 11% are from Laredo and the Rio Grrande Valley, 8% from the rest of the state, and 2% were from out of state. 

2023 - Interview with Mrs. Margaret Dechant, former Director of Admissions during the CCSU/TAMU-CC transition 

Margaret Dechant Interview Part 1

Interviewing Margaret Dechant who served as Director of Admissions during TAMU-CC's transition to a four-year university.  (PART ONE)

Margaret Dechant Interview - Part 2

Interviewing Margaret Dechant who served as Director of Admissions during TAMU-CC's transition to a four-year university. (PART TWO)

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