Lee College Historical Timeline

Student Work: The Beginnings of Lee College and its Seventy-Five Year Legacy of Leadership & Learning By Celeste Butler

1934
- Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD) voted to establish Lee Junior College on February 24, 1934.
- W. R. Smith, superintendent of GCCISD, also headed the college.
- The GCCISD Board of Trustees initially operated Lee Junior College.
- First classes were held on the Robert E. Lee High School campus in September.
- Lee Junior College employed 16 faculty members.
- Total number of students enrolled was 177.

1935
- First graduation–four women received diplomas.

1936
- Vocational education added to provide comprehensive education.

1945
- Walter Rundell, one of the original faculty members, became Dean of Lee Junior College.

1948
- Lee Junior College’s first accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS).
- Name changed to Lee College
- Construction of Rundell Hall and gymnasium began.

1951
- Lee College moves to new campus upon completion of Rundell Hall & gymnasium.
- 679 students attended Lee College.

1958
- A new liberal arts building (now Social Science) was completed.

1961
- A nursing program at Lee College was started.
- Library completed (now Student Center)
- Moler Hall, named for Maude Moler, built to house student services.
- Technical Vocational Building 1 built to house technical classes.
- Bonner Hall built for academic classes.

1964
- Enrollment is 1,874 students

1965
- The vote on August 9, 1965 for separation from GCCISD was approved by a vote of more than two to one.
- Richard D. Strahan was named Lee College’s first full-time president.
- Lee College obtained its own Board of Regents.

1966
- Lee College implements an extension program with Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville.

1969
- Lee College offers courses at Liberty and Dayton High Schools.

1971
– Dr. Raymond Cleveland becomes President.

1972
- Continuing Education courses added to services available.
- Programs for Senior Adults added.

1973
- Dr. Jim Sturgeon becomes President.

1976
- Dr. Robert Cloud becomes President.

1986
- Friends of Lee College founded under the leadership of John Tucker.
- Dr. Vivian B. Blevins becomes President.
- San Jacinto Mall campus opens on Garth Road at I-10.

1987
- Established Hispanic Educational Access Committee and Black Educational Access Committee

1988
- Bond election leads to construction of Tucker Hall and Gray Science Building.

1990
- Property acquired for the McNulty-Haddick Complex that houses Visual and Performing Arts and the Allied Health Program.

1992
- Dr. Jackson N. Sasser becomes President.

2002
- Dr. Martha Ellis becomes President.
- The Advanced Technology Center opens housing a new Library and S.M.A.R.T. classrooms.
- The Sports Arena and Wellness Center opens and tennis courts are added.

2003
- Lee College begins renovation of the Technical Vocational Buildings and existing gymnasium.

2004
- Student Center (formerly the Library) opens with Cyber Café, game room, art gallery and Bayer Conference Center.
- Lady Rebels Tennis team becomes National Champions

2006
- International partnership with Xian University in China.
- Establishment of Liberty County Workforce Academy.
- Dual Enrollment Program established with area School Districts. - Former Students Association established.

2007
- Lee College recognized as sixth fastest growing mid-level Community College in Texas.
- One of 10 Colleges chosen nationwide (the only community college) for the Clinton Climate Initiative.
- Purchased property at 909 Decker Drive and installed Administration offices. - Rubber sidewalks installed on campus as part of “green initiative.”

2008
- McNair Career Center Campus opens on I-10 at John Martin Rd..

2009
- Dr. Michael Murphy becomes President.
- Performing Arts Center opens with seating for over 750 people, Black Box Theater and expanded facilities for Visual and Performing Arts. - Lady Rebel Tennis Team becomes National Champions.
- Gulf Coast Petrochemical Information Network (GC-PIN) formed with $2.3 million grant from Department Of Labor.
- Currently serving over 13,000 students annually.