In 1879 the Texas Legislature created the Sam Houston Normal Institute oto elevate the standard of education throughout the State, by giving thorough instruction and special training to our present and future teachers.o This book concentrates on the evolution of the English Department at SHSU over the decades, with an emphasis on its expansion under the leadership of administrators from the level of presidents down to departmental chairs. After a general history of the department until the omodern era,o the book addresses the development of programs and growth of faculty under different departmental leaders up to the present day. The book traces the hiring of new faculty under different chairs, presenting biographies of most of the faculties, along with group and individual photographs. It concludes with a section of anecdotes provided by active and retired members of the department.