New residents may be surprised to learn that a significant piece of Texas education history sits right in the heart of Sherman. Austin College is the oldest private college in Texas still operating under its original name and charter. Founded in 1849, the college first opened its doors in Huntsville. After weathering three epidemics, the Civil War, and years of financial strain, the school sought a fresh start in a region poised for growth. Sherman and Denison were booming at the time, making the area a promising new home. The college has thrived here ever since.
Austin College’s mission remains central to its identity. “Our mission statement is our North Star,” the College affirms. “Austin College is a private, primarily residential, undergraduate liberal arts college committed to academic excellence and devoted to preparing students for rewarding careers and full, engaged, and meaningful lives. Along with a core foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, the College also offers pre-professional, professional, and graduate programs.”
That mission comes alive through people like Heidi Rushing, the College’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. A proud Austin College alumna, Rushing speaks with genuine warmth about the school’s impact. After graduating, she began working at the college as a secretary and steadily advanced to her current leadership role.
“We really do offer so much here,” she says. “We have a strong reputation for our pre-med and pre-law programs, and acceptance rates into medical and law schools are very high. In fact, 94 percent of our graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate or professional programs within one year. Our students earn prestigious fellowships, and we are the top producer of Fulbright recipients per capita in Texas.”
Rushing explains that Austin College continually evaluates regional and statewide needs to ensure its programs equip students for the future. The college also encourages academic exploration and multidisciplinary interests. “Students might pursue dual majors like law and the arts or medical science and teaching. There are so many avenues to discover the career path that’s right for you.”
Small class sizes are another hallmark of the Austin College experience. With an average of just 15 students per class, faculty and students build meaningful one-on-one relationships that enrich both learning and personal growth.
Rushing also highlights the college’s vibrant, inclusive campus community. “Diversity is incredibly important to us. People often have a misconception of who our students are, but our student body is wonderfully diverse in backgrounds and experiences. Access matters too, 100 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid, grants, or gifts.”
Although the college competes in NCAA Division III and cannot offer athletic scholarships, participation remains strong. “Between thirty and forty percent of our students are involved in our fourteen sports programs,” Rushing notes. Beyond athletics, students can choose from more than 75 organizations, all offering leadership opportunities. Students, faculty, and staff collectively contribute over 16,000 volunteer hours to the community each year. Creative expression also thrives through three annual student art galleries, and a variety of performance arts enrich campus life.
The campus itself is a gem with a peaceful, park-like stretch of more than 100 acres filled with mature live oaks and serene green spaces. Rushing hopes Texoma residents will take advantage of the many public events the college offers.
“These aren’t just opportunities for our students, they’re a way for the community to engage with and support them,” she says. “We invite our neighbors to visit campus for sporting events, art exhibits, music performances, and theater productions. Our weekly Wind Down Wednesdays are hour-long presentations covering a wide variety of topics, offering great conversation and fellowship.”
With a rich history, a dynamic academic environment, and a strong commitment to community, Austin College continues to be one of Texoma’s most enduring and inspiring institutions.
"Austin College is the oldest private college in Texas still operating under its original name and charter."