It all started in the 1960s

In order to understand the history of the College, one must look before 1970. Governor Dewey Bartlett enacted Senate Bill 493 that would create the framework for two year state college as part of the Oklahoma System of Higher Education. Governor Bartlett appointed the Board of Regents to Tulsa Junior College on May 21, 1969, and Dr. Philips was appointed as the first President of Tulsa Junior College on August 25th, 1969 from his previous position as Chancellor of Dallas County Junior College. The doors of the College officially opened in September of 1970 with approximately 2800 students. As the story goes, it is told that students had to bring lawn chairs as there was not enough seating for the entire first class of TJC!

In the beginning of the College, there were a large number of people and organizations that analyzed how an institution like TJC could be integrated into the city of Tulsa.  Those researchers came up with a plan that covers what would be eight functions of Tulsa Junior College.  These functions were:

1. To provide a comprehensive, two-year post-high school program of education for the citizens of Tulsa County, and for students from the surrounding area who live within reasonable daily commuting distance.

2. To provide a program of general education for all students designed to develop common understandings, to foster good citizenship, and to rpomote the development of each individual as a unique and responsible person.

3. To provide two-years programs of education in the Liberal Arts and sciences, culminating in the awarding of the associate degree.

4. To provide instructional programs in Technical and Occupational education of two years or less for those to seek employment, with students completing such programs to be awarded the associate degree, or an appropriate certificate of accomplishment.

5. To provide collegiate programs of two years or less for students planning to transfer into baccalaureate and professional programs at other colleges and universtities.

6. To provide a program of remedial education for young people and adults whose previous educational experiences have not fitted them to achieve at collegiate levels.

7. To identify and meet the legitimate needs of adults in the community for programs of continuing education.

8. To provide a program of community services designed to improve the cultural, economical, moral, and social environment of Tulsa Couty and urrounding area.

With this information in hand, the State Regents' approved Resolution 517 on April 11th, 1969 and Tulsa Junior College was born!

One of the rare treasures that the Archives has been able to digitze are the scrapbooks put together by Dr. Philips wife, Jane Philips.  The scrapbooks are available below for your viewing pleasure!