Jerome C. Cates oral history interview

Jerome Cates discusses his career as an educator and his time working for Texas State. He begins by describing his adolescence in Robstown, Texas, and recalling his high school, dating, working, and early teaching experiences in Beeville. Mr. Cates discusses how things have changed since he first came to the university, including San Marcos and the campus's growth. He tells of his work as the university's Chief Financial Officer, Head of Business Affairs, and briefly as an accounting professor. He also outlines the college's relationship with San Marcos, from the 1950s through now, and touches on topics such as integration, LBJ, and changing student attitudes. He shares his opinions on the work of Presidents John G. Flowers, James McCrocklin, Billy Mac Jones, and Lee Smith. Mr. Cates talks about his experience serving as interim president after Billy Mac Jones's resignation, during which he encountered challenges such as the streaking phenomenon that took hold of campus.