Jones, Edward Newlon 1973-01-05
Dr. E. N. Jones, former Texas Tech president, discusses his association with Tech as vice-president and president, his goals and accomplishments during that time, and the controversy over the Tech name change and dismissal of certain faculty members. In addition, he mentions prominent Tech personalities, speculates on its future, and expresses educational attitudes and philosophy. Particular documents are examined. Note: Tape 4 is restricted. (See the E. N. Jones reference file folder)
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Edward Newlon Jones
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: January 5, 1973
Location: Dallas, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 3 hours and 40 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Career with Texas A & I and first association with
Texas Tech recalled,
Wife’s illness mentioned,
Dr. Dossie M. Wiggins’ selection by the Tech board cited,
Explains decision to apply for Tech vice-presidency,
Reveals impressions of Tech (1948),
Reasons for Tech growth explored,
Deficient landscaping cited,
Wiggins’ administration characterized,
Examines reasons for Wiggins’ resignation,
Succession to the presidency described,
Comments on wife’s death and second marriage,
Attitude toward Wiggins’ resignation expressed,
Discussion of personal papers,
Statement of goals for Tech.
Tape 1, Side 2: Statement of goals (continued),
Reflects on achievements,
Administrative needs of Tech and administrative achievements noted,
Recollection of celebration upon entry into Southwest Conference (1956),
Role in acquiring Southwest Conference status perceived,
Further review of efforts to attain Southwest Conference status,
States personal attitude toward Tech athletics,
Traces origin of Coliseum in Lubbock,
Character of Tech student body evaluated.
Tape 2, Side 1: Tech faculty and president-faculty interaction
discussed,
Cites need for doctoral programs,
Tech-Lubbock community relations explored,
Notes sometimes erratic nature of community,
Supported Tech athletics,
Controversy concerning Board of Directors decision to dismiss Tech
faculty members reviewed,
Board’s traditional "executive session" condemned,
Particular session described,
Mentions irregularities of Board action and
dissatisfaction of Board members with faculty,
Recollection of personal remarks to the Tech Board,
Evaluation and aftermath of the Board’s action,
Censured by AAUP.
Tape 2, Side 2: Discussion of censure by AAUP (continued),
Death of the controversy recalled,
Name-change controversy examined,
Reads from a 1959 report asking for name change,
Personal opinions on name change expressed,
Complications arose in choosing an alternate name,
Clifford B. Jones characterized and motivations examined.
Tape 3, Side 1: Morley Jennings characterized,
Praises Charles "Stoney" Wall,
Comments on J. Roy Wells,
Recollections of outstanding administrators, faculty and students of
Texas Tech,
Reasons for resignation as president reviewed,
Regrets expressed in leaving Tech,
Reflections on success and failure.
Tape 3, Side 2: Complications of limiting enrollment explained,
Mentions effects of abnormal growth on Tech,
Speculation on "permissiveness" in American society,
Expresses attitudes concerning the size factor in the quality of
education,
Predictions on the future of the University of Houston and speculation on
Tech’s future,
Attitude toward Tech law and medical schools stated,
Origin of computer center cited,
Reads statements on meeting the needs of large post-war enrollment,
Refers to 1954 document.
Tape 4, Side 1: This tape was restricted until 1995. For more information, please see the E.N. Jones Reference File Folder.
Tape 4, Side 2: Same as above.
Range Dates: 1930s-1960s
Bulk Dates: 1948-1960
Access Information
Original Recording Format: open reel audio tape
Recording Format Notes: recordings have been digitized and are available on CD in Reading Room
Transcript: transcript done in 1970s; available in EN Jones reference file
Other Links
Oral history interview conducted in 1972 by Thomas Charlton at Baylor, found here: Oral Memoirs of Edward Newlon Jones transcript
Archival Materials within the SWC can be found here: https://txarchives.org/ttusw/finding_aids/20309.xml , https://txarchives.org/ttusw/finding_aids/20348.xml , https://txarchives.org/ttusw/finding_aids/20308.xml and https://swco.ttu.edu/Guide/J.htm
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