UT Tyler Administration Building Named

TYLER –The University of Texas at Tyler names the Administration Building in honor of founding president Dr. James H. Stewart, Jr. As part of the university’s 40th anniversary celebration events, an unveiling ceremony was held Thursday at the University Center theater to recognize Stewart and his contributions to the institution that is now UT Tyler.

“In recognition of Dr. Stewart’s remarkable achievements as the first president, the UT System Board of Regents approved my recommendation for this honorific naming. This building was constructed during Dr. Stewart’s era, and it is fitting that it be named for him,” said school President Dr. Rodney Mabry. Serving 1972 to 1981, Stewart is the only president to have led all three institutions – Tyler State College, Texas Eastern University and The University of Texas at Tyler. He was instrumental in developing the only public degree-granting institution of higher education in the 14-county East Texas Planning Region and responsible for the plans to move the university to its present-day location in 1976.

Stewart established a higher education program based on academic excellence, developing a fully-accredited institution. Under his leadership, enrollment increased from 176 in spring 1973 to more than 1,900 in spring 1981. Stewart also led the university through four major construction contracts totaling more than $21 million. Stewart was named President Emeritus of UT Tyler in 2005.