1980

Grounds Greenhouse No. 2 constructed.

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1981

Art Building C constructed.

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Jun. 15
SHSU and other Lone Star Conference members are accepted at the NCAA Division II level, to begin the 1982-83 season.

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1982

Pritchett Field House Annex built.

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Feb. 12
Fire destroys the Main Building and damages Austin College Building.

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1983

Sep. 26
SHSU athletics join the Gulf Star Conference (until 1987); competition in the new league begins the 1984-85 season.

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1984

1985

Drain Building constructed.

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Drain Building Annex constructed.

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Health & Kinesiology Center constructed.

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Rather Communication Building constructed.

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Science Animal Laboratory constructed.

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1986

Austin College Building rededicated.

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Bowers Stadium completed:

• Press Box completed.
• East Concessions completed.
• Scoreboard completed.
• Southeast Ticket Booth completed.
• Southwest Ticket Booth completed.
• North Ticket Booth completed.

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Mafrige Field House constructed.

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McAdams Tennis Center (II) constructed.

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Music Building constructed.

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Samantha Bearkat character introduced.

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Oct.
George G. Killinger Auditorium dedicated within Criminal Justice Center.

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1987

Apr.
First General Sam Houston Folk Festival is held.

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Apr. 24
SHSU athletics join the NCAA Division I (Division I-AA in football) Southland Conference.

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Apr. 25
Old Main Memorial dedicated.

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1988

1989

Art Building A constructed.

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Sep. 1
Martin J. Anisman begins tenure as president until 1995.

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