Donated land for first campus becomes teeming hub
by Nick Nance, Managing Editor

    (Part four in a series about the growth and changes around the campuses.)
    Receiving something for free is always a good deal, especially when that item is 158 acres of land.
    In the mid 1960s the federal government donated the plot of land that would soon become the first campus of Tarrant County Junior College.
    The first of four campuses, South Campus, opened September 1967 at a total construction cost of $11 million.
     The initial enrollment for the newly developed campus was 4,194 in credit classes.
     When the campus was completed, a limited number of businesses were in the area. Government offices were the other primary businesses close to the campus.
     "It used to be there was one little restaurant [the Bavarian Bakery] close to the campus and that has drastically changed in the last six to 10 years," Bill Lace, executive assistant to the chancellor, said.
     Currently, approximately 15 fast-food restaurants along I-20 and Wichita Street include Denny's, Luby's, Whataburger, Wendy's, Taco Bueno, Chicken Express and McDonalds.
     Not only were there limited restaurants, finding a gas station close was difficult in the '60s.
     "At first there were not many stations available," Triesha Light, South Campus associate professor and counselor, said.
     "It has really changed. I have seen traffic increase and ethnicity change," she said.
     Many consider some parts of Tarrant County to be poorly developed for the huge growth surge North Texas has endured the last 10 years.
     However, the area close to the school's flagship campus is thought of differently.
     "I never understood why they didn't develop the restaurant and lodging around the campus sooner than has been done," she said.
     Lace said, "I think everything has been developed quite well. Traffic has never really been that much of a problem, and it resembles that of when it was opened."
     Of all the campuses, South Campus has arguably the best accessibility.
     One of the biggest advantages to traffic in the area is the development of the I-20 and I-35 areas.
     "I really think the development of I-20 brought growth and opportunity to the area and the citizens in the community surrounding South Campus," Charles Huber, South Campus director of student activities, said.
     When the campus was constructed, it stood alone amongst the vanishing prairie that once consumed the north Texas region.
     "I think it is a great spot due to accessibility. With the property being right off the highway, we really got lucky when the school received the donated land," Lace said.
     Location is often referred to as the most important piece to a successful business puzzle. Tarrant County College has been proactive in keeping primary facilities up to date and attractive to prospective students.
     "I think when you look at the South Campus and the area we draw from, you will see it is exploding with growth and all of that impacts the people we would reach. The growth can only help the South Campus community," he said.
     Individuals have dedicated themselves to advancing TCC and its students.
     For example, Jim Worden served as interim chancellor, dean, president and vice-chancellor.
     Following his death of a heart attack, he was honored for his accomplishments with a plaque by the reflecting pond.
     Along with Worden, South Campus has recognized the first president and first chancellor of TCCD, Joe B. Rushing.
     The performing arts theater carries his name, as does the street bordering on the north of the campus.
     As well, the street to the east is named for TCC's second chancellor, C.A. Roberson.