In 1910, West Texas State Normal College was established in Canyon, Texas, and 115 years later, the institution continues to grow. Now named West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), registrar records show fall enrollment for 2025 is 9,259 students.
During the first semester of its establishment, there were 227 enrolled students. It would not be until 1934 that the school exceeded 1,000 students, and in 2018, enrollment exceeded 10,000. As with any school, WTAMU has evolved with the various eras of American history. Changes in academic standards, the creation of modern technology, and even a global pandemic were all factors in shaping the university as we now know it.
In his book, “Always WT,” Dr. Marty Kuhlman notes a 1918 West Texas State Normal College bulletin, which stated the expectations for individuals who plan on attending the school. “The West Texas State Normal College is not a kindergarten in which infants are to be fed; nor a reform school for delinquents; but it is a place to which young ladies and gentlemen come with some preparation, and a purpose to get ready for rendering efficiently an important service.”
Fast forward 100 years, and the requirements are a little different.
Executive Director of Marketing for the Department of Enrollment Christina Cahillane talked about test score submissions. “ACT and SAT scores are optional for admission, meaning we do not require students to submit their scores. However, if a student chooses to submit their scores and the scores meet our admission requirements, then they may be admitted based upon the test scores alone,” said Cahillane.
Test score submissions were not always optional, however. “During COVID, we automatically waived the undergraduate application fee, and made ACT/SAT scores optional for admission,” added Cahillane.
Not only have academic standards changed enrollment over the years, but technology has also affected student numbers.
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness Jarvis Hampton shared how WTAMU has utilized evolving technology in the classroom. “WT had an online presence starting back in the 90s,” said Hampton. “We have our graduate programs that are largely online. We do have some face-to-face classes in the graduate program, of course. But a lot of those are online because you can attract students from outside of your area.”
Whether it is academic standards, modern technology, or a worldwide health crisis, enrollment numbers continue to fluctuate.
According to the school’s historical documents, the number of students at the beginning of a decade compared to the number of students at the end of that same decade has, on average, steadily increased. A few exceptions to this pattern were in the 70s and 80s, when the number at the end of the decade was lower than the number at the beginning of the decade.
The largest decrease in enrollment was from 1970 to 1979. In 1970, there were 7,905 students, whereas in 1979, there were 6,469, leaving a difference of 1,436. Interestingly enough, the 1960s record the largest increase in student numbers of any other decade, with an increase of 4,655 students from 1960 to 1969.
Though this is merely a glimpse into the history of WT’s enrollment, more information can be found in the Cornette Library, or check out Dr. Marty Kuhlman’s book, “Always WT.”
