Our History:
Texas A&M University-Commerce began as East Texas Normal College in 1889 when founder William Leonidas Mayo opened the doors to a one-building campus in Cooper. His creed, which continues today, was "ceaseless industry, fearless investigation, unfettered thought, and unselfish service to others." The institution's history of dynamic change began in 1894 when "Mayo's College" moved to Commerce. The State of Texas took over the campus in 1917 and the name was changed to East Texas State Normal College. In 1923, the school was renamed East Texas State Teachers College. The graduate program was added in 1935, and in 1957 the Legislature, recognizing that the purpose of the institution had broadened from teacher education, changed the name to East Texas State College. Following the inauguration of the first doctoral program in 1962, the name was changed to East Texas State University. In 1996, the institution entered the Texas A&M University System and became Texas A&M University-Commerce. Today, on the Commerce campus, the Metroplex Center, the Universities Center at Dallas, Navarro College Partnership, and through state-of-the-art distance learning, the University meets the undergraduate, graduate and professional needs of the citizens of Northeast Texas and beyond. Its mission is achieved through teaching, scholarship, and service activities on its campuses, and in the community and region.
OUR VISION
Texas A&M University-Commerce, as a part of the A&M family of universities, will become the university of choice for all those seeking a higher education in the Northeast Texas region and beyond. It will provide traditional and non-traditional learning opportunities through existing and new programs that set high expectations and goals for students, faculty and staff. The University will promote a sense of community through a nurturing environment for all individuals in order to maximize learning, career and personal development. A&M-Commerce will become a place where students, faculty, staff, and community are engaged in the pursuit of excellence.
OUR MISSION
Texas A&M University-Commerce nurtures and educates for success through access to academic, research, and service programs of high quality.
