Title

Dr. O’Hara Lanier

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Challenges

• As first president of Texas State University for Negroes, faced opposition from the majority-white board and out-side cities who feared his popularity and determination to elevate African Americans.
• There was also debate within the community regarding whether the school should exist or not, as it was created to protect segregation.

Accomplishments

• Oversaw the transformation of the university into a nationality recognized institution, recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and Texas Department Of Education.
• The university also received full membership in the Association of Texas Colleges.
• In 1949, the Law School became nationally recognized.
• The university received accreditation by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education in 1953, two years after receiving its new name, Texas Southern University.