Wallace, Morris 1973

Dr. Morris Wallace, chairman of the Texas Tech Department of Education from 1955 to 1968, discusses his early life and education, his career prior to coming to Tech, his educational philosophy, committees on which he has served, and progress made in the Education Department since 1955.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Morris Wallace

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: June 26 and July 18, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 1 hour 50 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Biographical information given, Education summarized, Discusses early teaching career, Also coached football, Explains operation of schools in the early 1940s, Cost-quality relationship in education cited, Problem of poor school districts and rich school, districts discussed, Lists court cases, Purpose of education explained, Aptitude tests are a tool of the educator.

Tape 1, Side 2: Problems involved in using tax funds to finance school districts explained, Stresses importance of vocational education, Recommendations of the committee on education appointed by the Texas Legislature, Believes Governor Dolph Briscoe is misinformed on education, Elimination of small school districts justified, Notes objectives of school bussing, Taught at University of Mississippi and Oklahoma State University, Characteristics of the schools contrasted, Came to Texas Tech (1955), Circumstances and reasons for coming to Tech, Lists changes in the Education Department made during his 13 years as head.

Tape 2, Side 1: Certification of college instructors justified, Brown v Topeka Board of Education court case discussed, Recalls J. Evetts Haley and Institute of Americanism, Firing of three professors by Tech Board of Directors condemned, Tenure policy discussed, Cites progress made by Department of Education during his chairmanship.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Tape 3, Side 1: Dr. Per Stensland’s adult education program discussed, Discussion of tenure policy, Lola Beth Green’s case noted, Has served on several tenure committees, Service in the Committee on Faculty, Leave and development recalled, Worked as chairman of the Education Department, Notes purposes of the interdisciplinary program, Accreditation of the department cited, Emphasis on academics in training teachers discussed, Department organized as a separate college of the University.

Tape 3, Side 2: Work as Chairman of Education discussed further, Organization as a separate college (continued), Emphasizes that Tech is not a regional technical institution, Favored the name "Texas State University", Dr. Gordon Lee chosen as successor.

Range Dates: 1940s-1973

Bulk Dates: 1955-1973

Access Information

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Transcript:

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