UC History

E.H. Hereford University Center History and Modernization

The University of Texas at Arlington traces its origins to 1895, when it opened as Arlington College, a private school for younger students. Over the next several decades, the institution evolved through multiple name changes, including Carlisle Military Academy, Arlington Training School, Arlington Military Academy, and later Grubb’s Vocational College after becoming part of the Texas A&M System in 1917. By that time, the campus consisted of several key buildings such as barracks, a women’s dormitory, a gymnasium, a mess hall, and an academic building. In 1923, the institution became North Texas Agricultural College (NTAC), a name it retained until 1949, when it transitioned to Arlington State College (ASC). 
 
A significant milestone occurred in 1953 with the construction of the first student center, which initially housed the college exchange store, post office, confectionary, and recreational spaces. Although this original structure represents less than one-fourth of today’s building, it established the student center as a central hub of campus life. As ASC gained senior college status in 1959, the student center facility underwent its first major renovation in 1961 and was later named the E.H. Hereford University Center in honor of E.H. Hereford, the first president of NTAC. Known affectionately as “Old Rosebud” for his efforts to beautify the campus with landscaping, President Hereford passed away suddenly in 1958 while still in office. 
 
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the University Center continued to expand and modernize. Renovations in 1976 added the Palo Duro Lounge and redesigned office spaces, followed by the opening of the Dry Gulch campus pub and the Caprock faculty and staff dining room in 1978. The General Store began operations during this period and later evolved into today’s Market. Additional cultural and social spaces—including the Rosebud Theatre, Bluebonnet Ballroom, Bowling and Billiards, and Paradise Café—were completed by 1987, and a fully renovated University Center reopened in 1988. Notably, the UC also served as a gathering place for historic moments, such as the 1984 Olympic Torch relay, which passed through campus. 
 
The 1990s and early 2000s brought a continued focus on student services and dining. The Plaza food court opened in 1991 and continues to feature popular dining options for students today. With increased on-campus housing, Paradise Café closed and was replaced in 2004 by the larger Connection Café, which later received updates in 2016. That same year marked another major transformation as Bowling and Billiards was converted into space for the Career Development Center, Student Affairs offices, and The Leadership Center. This renovation added more than 5,300 square feet and significantly modernized the east side of the building. 
 
Most recently, the University unveiled a newly renovated entrance to the E.H. Hereford University Center near the Bluebonnet Ballroom and Rosebud Theatre. Planned in 2018 and constructed in 2019, the project introduced a new entrance, pedestrian walkway, formal promenade, expanded parking, landscaping, and outdoor lighting to create a more welcoming and accessible space. Although the ribbon-cutting ceremony was limited due to COVID-19 precautions, the renovation reflected the UC’s ongoing role as a focal point for campus life, hosting thousands of events each year and offering numerous meeting spaces, services, and dining options for the university community. 
 
Today, the UC continues to be a home for students far and wide. Because of this, it has grown exponentially, and in 2024, and a vote to renovate the building ran and was passed, bringing the NEW UC PROJECT to life! The request to explore, fund, and build a new student union building was presented and approved by the 85th Texas Legislature in spring 2017. With the project starting in June 2026, it has taken nearly a decade, but the time is finally here! For more information on this project, see the NEW UC page.