Timeline Series  1970s
With our upcoming Centennial in 2010, West Texas A&M University takes a look back at the last 99 years. In the months to come, we’ll bring you snippets of WTAMU history through the accounts of the past and photos throughout the years.
Transformative Times
The 1970s were a decade of change for America, and West Texas State University was no exception. The Cornette Era finally came to an end in 1972 when James P. Cornette retired. Lloyd I. Watkins served as president from1972 to 1977, and in 1977 Max Sherman was named WTSU president.
Enrollment Roller-coaster
Enrollment fluctuated throughout the 70s. Efforts to avoid military service saw the number of students increase to 7,905 in 1970, but by the end of the decade, numbers dwindled to 6,469.
A Decade of Addition
In 1971, the School of Agriculture became the fifth school of instruction at the University and was given a boost with the donation of the Nance Ranch by Mrs. Lucille Nance Jones.
Construction on campus boomed in the 70s with the building of Jones and Cross Halls, the Agriculture and Natural Sciences Building, “the spacious and functional” Cornette Library, Mary Moody Northen Hall, the Virgil Henson Activities Center, the Dining Hall and the Horse Center.
Activities on campus also increased with KWTS taking to the air in 1972 as part of the “ever-expanding media program” and the formulation of the WTSU Soccer Club that boasted many new team members from various foreign countries.
1977 began the modern-day mascot tradition with Thunder I (Lollipop), the first live buffalo since 1935.
Here We Are Now, Entertain Us
The 1970s saw many visitors at the WTSU campus from important historical figures to popular musicians and entertainers. President Gerald Ford and civil rights activist Julian Bond were among those that offered words of wisdom. Willy Nelson, Olivia Newton-John, Ike and Tina Turner, Lily Tomlin and Steve Martin along with many other popular entertainers of the 1970s brought their talents to WTSU.
Interesting Facts
Estimated expenses for 15 semester credit hours totaled $604 in 1972 and $777.50 in 1978.
To qualify for admission, students had to be at least 16 years old, a graduate of an accredited high school and of satisfactory health.
Hamburger Helper and salad bars debuted, and McDonald’s introduced the Egg McMuffin, the first fast-food breakfast item.
CB radios, happy face and “Have a Nice Day” buttons, puka shell necklaces, hot pants, waterbeds, pet rocks, mood rings, air hockey, pinball, bell-bottom pants, embroidered jeans and shirts and polyester leisure suits were all wacky crazes and phases.
“The Godfather,” “Rocky,” “American Graffiti,” “Jaws” and “Star Wars” dominated the new multi-screen theaters. | 
