Portal to Texas History Photograph of the Sul Ross Main Building, Trust Building in Alpine, Texas.
The main building of Sul Ross State University is the Dolph Briscoe, Jr., Administration Building, which was completed in 1920 and has been the center of the institution’s operations ever since. The university was established by the 35th Legislature in 1917 as a state normal college to train teachers, and the bill creating it required the residents of the town to provide land, water, utilities, and housing for the students. After a delay caused by World War I, the Legislature allocated $200,000 for buildings and equipment in 1919, and the Dolph Briscoe, Jr., Administration Building was completed the following year. Under the presidency of Thomas J. Fletcher, Sul Ross State Normal College began operations in the building on June 14, 1920, with 77 students enrolled. Over the years, the building has been the site of many academic achievements, and it continues to serve as a symbol of the university’s commitment to education and excellence.
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