Norwood, Pat

Biography

Dr. Patrick Henry Norwood (1903–1999) was born near Hughes Springs, Texas. After graduating from Hughes Springs High School, he worked at his father's sawmill to earn money for college. He then enrolled in the East Texas State University sub-college, where he studied until 1921, when he left to become a teacher and principal in Lyford, Texas at the age of eighteen. Norwood returned to East Texas to continue his education, leaving once again to serve as a replacement superintendent in Lyford. He received his BA from East Texas in 1925, his MA from George Peabody College for Teachers in 1928, and his PhD from The University of Texas at Austin in 1947.

In 1935, after teaching in Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska, Norwood came to San Marcos as the principal of Southwest Texas State Teachers College's campus demonstration school. He remained principal until 1939, when he became director of public services at the college. In this role, which he held until 1965, he directed the college's placement and extension services as well as served as the college's public school liaison. After 1965, Norwood taught and supervised the university's administrative intern program.

Norwood worked with the Gilmer-Aiken Study Committee in 1947, which resulted in the re-organization of the state's public school system. From 1940 until his retirement in 1973, Norwood served on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools evaluation teams. He was active in the Rotary Club from 1935–1999, serving different terms as its Secretary-Treasurer, President of the San Marcos Club, District Governor, and President of the Past District Governors Advisory Council. 

Texas 150 Oral History

Dr. Norwood talks about the different university positions he has held from the 1930s through the 1960s and the responsibilities that came with those positions, including his work as the principal of the campus training school and director of public services. He relays memories of his travels throughout Texas recruiting students for the university. He recalls Dr. Flowers, his work as secretary for the Gilmer-Aiken Committee in 1947, and his work in the Rotary Club in the 1940s and 1950s.