History of Student Affairs

Brief History of the office of the Vice President and the Division of Student Affairs.

For nearly 90 years after its founding in 1876, The Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas was an all-male, military institution, with all enrolled students required to join the Corps of Cadets. During much of that time, the Commandant of the Corps was primarily responsible for most student activities and services. By the 1940s the college had experienced enrollment growth to more than 6,000 students. A significant portion of that (growth was from students who were not required to join the Corps, such as returning veterans from World War II).

During that time a Dean of Men was appointed to provide oversight and coordination to many of the student activities and services that were outside the role and purpose of the Corps of Cadets, such as the Student Senate, student health, the Aggie Band, housing, and student organizations. By the late 1950s the enrollment had grown slowly to about 7,000 students, while the scope of activities and programs for students had grown considerably. Nearly 40% of (the enrolled students were not in the Corps of Cadets. In 1959, President James Earl Rudder appointed Brig. Gen. James P. Hannigan, USA (Ret) as the first Dean of Students.

Under the leadership of President Rudder, the college experienced many dramatic changes in the 1960s, many of which had a major impact on student life. Most significantly, enrollment in the Corps of Cadets was made voluntary for all students, women were fully admitted for the first time, and the institution's name was changed to Texas A8M University. The size of the student body also doubled, increasing from just more than 7,000 students in 1960 to more than 14,000 students in 1970.

Supervision of the student activities and services of the campus and student discipline were the major roles of the Dean of Student's office. A Dean of Men and a Dean of Women reopened to the Dean of Students. A housing manager supervised the central housing office while area Counselors' advisors were located in the various residence hall areas. The Memorial Student Center, Student Financial Aid, the University Police, the Student Health Center and Counseling and Testing were also among the various departments reporting to the Dean of Students.

In the early 1970s, Texas A&M University President Jack K. Williams saw the need to create a vice president position to oversee all student services functions of the campus, due to anticipated continuation in the growth and diversification in the student body. In August of 1973, Dr. John J. Koldus became the first Vice President for Student Services. Over the next twenty-five years, student enrollment at Texas A&M University grew from 18,000 to more than 42,000.

Numerous changes in the Division of Student Services and the Vice President's Office have occurred over the years.  Changes include a change in name to the Division of Student Affairs in 1994 and location of the Vice President’s office—from the historic YMCA, to Rudder Tower, and now very appropriately in the John J. Koldus Students Services Building. Additionally, four vice presidents have served the Texas A&M student body:  Dr. John Koldus; Dr. Malon Southerland, Dr. Bill Kibler (interim), and the current Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Dean Bresciani.  Enrollment at Texas A&M University has grown to approximately 46,000, and the Division of Student Affairs has become home to more than 820 student organizations, more than 700 full-time staff, and 17 departments.