SAC Timeline
Founded in 1925, San Antonio College has a long and rich history of serving the community. Read the below factoids to learn more about SAC's amazing history and watch the SAC Timeline Video created to celebrate the College's 90th Anniversary.
1925
San Antonio College is founded as University Junior College under the administration of the University of Texas at Austin. Located at 203 Romano Street, the College opens with 232 students and 45 faculty members.
1926
Renamed San Antonio Junior College, the campus relocates to the 400 block of South Alamo Street. The Ranger, SAC's student newspaper, is established.
1927
The college expands extracurriculars, including the formation of the first womens' basketball team.
1932
Texas sets a precedent allowing student credits from junior colleges to transfer to senior colleges and universities.
1945
The San Antonio Union Junior College District is formed.
1946
The new district assumes control of the College.
1948
The institution officially becomes San Antonio College.
1951
McCreless Hall is constructed and SAC moves to its new campus on San Pedro Avenue.
1952
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools grants SAC full accreditation.
1954
Named for SAC President James Loftin, the loftin Student Center opens, becoming a hub of student life.
1960
SAC becomes a comprehensive community college by expanding its occupational and technical offerings.
1966
KSYM 90.1 FM, the first community college radio station in Texas, is established at SAC.
1986
SAC helps found the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
1996
The college begins offering online courses, becoming an early adopter of digital learning.
2006
The college's online program becomes the 6th largest nationwide in awarding online degrees.
2008
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board awards SAC “Exemplary” status in 11 academic programs.
2009
The college is named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, in honor of its commitment to community service and civic engagement.
2010
Enrollment surpasses 25,000, and SAC is ranked among the top 100 degree-producing institutions in the U.S.
2012
Travis Early College High School graduates its first class—many earning associate degrees.
2014
The William R. Sinkin Eco Centro opens as a community sustainability hub. The Scobee Education Center, including the Challenger Learning Center and Planetarium, is completed.
2015
The College's official address becomes 1819 N. Main Ave.
2017
Travis Early College High School is designated a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
2018
The Aspen Institute names SAC among the Top 150 community colleges in the nation. The SAC Victory Center opens, serving veterans and military-affiliated students.
2019
Hispanic Outlook names SAC to its Top 20 for Hispanic enrollment, and its Top 10 for majors in computer information systems and engineering. Renovations begin on campus facilities to prepare for the college's centennial celebration.
2020
The Aspen Institute names SAC among the Top 10 community colleges in the nation. SAC transitions to remote instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining academic continuity and student support services virtually.
2021
SAC becomes the number-one community college in the country when it wins the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition for America's community colleges.
2022
Launch of the “SAC Cares” initiative enhances student basic needs support through food, clothing, and emergency aid.
2023
SAC opens the new Empowerment Center.
2024
The College begins preparations for a yearlong centennial celebration campaign themed "100 Years of Impact." Faculty and staff prepare to integrate AI across programs through new certificates and curriculum revisions.
2025
San Antonio College celebrates 100 years of excellence in education, equity, and community service. Centennial events include the unveiling of a new historical exhibit and a citywide celebration. A time capsule is sealed to preserve student voices and campus life for the next century. SAC is recognized nationally for its leadership in student support, innovation, and community engagement.