Schreiner University: A Legacy of Achievement

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Schreiner University in Kerrville stands as a testament to the enduring values of education, community, and adaptability. Established in 1923 as Schreiner Institute, the university has evolved into a comprehensive liberal arts institution committed to shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the future. This article explores the history, academic programs, notable alumni, and enduring legacy of Schreiner University.

From Institute to University: A Historical Overview

Captain Charles Schreiner Sr. founded "Schreiner Institute" in 1917, working towards its establishment until 1923. The Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of Western Texas were also key founders of the university. Initially a residential school for young boys, the military institute included both secondary school and junior college curricula to prepare students for further education. In 1971, military training was discontinued, and in 1973, the institution transitioned to a college curriculum, changing its name to "Schreiner College." The college experience evolved once more in 1981 when it became a four-year college. The 21st century brought about another milestone in the institution’s history. In 2001, Schreiner College officially became Schreiner University, a name that better encapsulated its diverse academic offerings and commitment to academic excellence. The Weir Academic Building remains to this day as the university’s administrative building, still seeing students grace its door 100 years after its initial construction.

Academic Excellence and Innovation

Schreiner University offers over 40 four-year undergraduate programs, an MBA, and a Master of Education. The university is also home to Schreiner Institute, a college-level service academy preparatory program for those who did not receive appointments or nominations straight out of high school, ROTC, and veteran services. The institution is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award masters, baccalaureate, and associate degrees.

Schreiner University’s pursuit of academic excellence and innovation has spurred new programs and initiatives that strive to enrich not just the students of the university but the local community. In 2022, Schreiner University unveiled a program designed to help students focus on an often overlooked but vital industry: rural banking. The new rural banking program is designed for accounting, finance and computer science majors as well as other relevant majors to not only receive important information about the banking and finance industry but to also gain internships at local regional banks and credit unions. Another recent addition to the university’s programming is a new academic program focusing on Agriculture and Natural Resource Management. The program aims to help students find careers within the growing agricultural industry including natural resource management, fish habitats, wildlife, soil and rangeland. The program, which is set to start accepting students in 2024, celebrated its founding by planting a vineyard. This year, Schreiner University unveiled a new Aviation program in conjunction with the Kerrville-Kerr County Airport.

A Commitment to Community Engagement

Beyond academic pursuits, Schreiner University places a strong emphasis on community engagement. The university has forged strong ties with the Kerrville community, participating in local initiatives, service projects, and cultural events.

Read also: Schreiner University Overview

Notable Alumni: Shaping the World

Schreiner University boasts a diverse and accomplished alumni base, with graduates making significant contributions in various fields. Each year, Schreiner Alumni are recognized for their outstanding contributions to Schreiner and surrounding communities. Here are some notable alumni who have left their mark:

Athletics

Bernard A. “Bee” Wood III ’63: A National Junior College Tennis Champion (1962-63) under Coach Laurence Becker, Bee’s skill and determination on the court set him apart. His leadership extended beyond athletics, serving as Commander of Company B, Battle Group Staff, Student Council President and Sgt. at Arms. He was also recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges for his outstanding contributions. Bee continued his tennis career at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa from 1964 -1965, earning a place on the All-Time Crimson Tide roster.

Blue Hyatt ’98: A Tivy High School standout, Blue Hyatt was a four-year starting catcher for the Mountaineers and served as team captain for three seasons. Known for his grit, leadership, and durability, Blue played in over 150 games during his Schreiner career-including starting all 50 games his junior year. Respected by teammates and coaches alike, Blue’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet. He was chosen as Student-Athlete Liaison to the University President and Board of Directors during Schreiner’s transition from NCAA Division II to Division III-a testament to his leadership on and off the field. Blue graduated from Schreiner in 1998 and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Tulsa. He is now managing partner of Lynch, Chappell & Alsup in Midland, Texas, and serves on Schreiner’s Board of Directors.

2013-2014 Schreiner Men’s Golf Team: After a memorable 2013-2014 regular season, the Schreiner Men’s Golf team, consisting of Cheyne Kendall ‘15, Jimmy Keener 15, Zach Oliver ‘16, Matthew McClung, Phil Stewart ‘16, and Ian Davis ‘15, were crowned NCAA Division III Men’s Golf National Champions. Schreiner entered the National Championship as the No. 16 ranked team in the country and finished with a total four-round team score of 1,185, five strokes ahead of the rest of the field. The team’s National Championship run was led by the junior duo of Cheyne Kendall who finished second overall, and Jimmy Keener who finished third overall.

Steve Daniels ‘80: Grew up in Iraan, Texas, where his father served as the production superintendent for the renowned Yates Oil Field. Steve attended Schreiner College on a golf scholarship, playing under the leadership of Schreiner Hall of Fame Golf Coach Monk Keith. As a freshman, he earned second place in the conference and was named to the all-conference team. After earning an associate degree from Schreiner, Steve transferred to Texas Tech University, where he completed a degree in Petroleum Land Management. Deeply appreciative of his time at Schreiner, Steve has remained actively engaged with the university. He has served as President of the Schreiner Former Students Association, is a member of Schreiner Oaks, and is a regular attendee at Recall.

Read also: Affording Schreiner University

Business and Entrepreneurship

Peter H. Shaddock ’61: A pioneer in the homebuilding industry, Peter H. Shaddock has built a legacy of excellence, innovation, and community impact. He attended Schreiner Institute from 1959 to 1961 before continuing his education at Texas Christian University (TCU) from 1959 to 1961. In 1967, he founded Shaddock Homes, an award-winning company renowned for its superior craftsmanship and commitment to customer satisfaction. With over 58 years of leadership, he has not only shaped the housing landscape of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex but also developed numerous subdivisions, further transforming the region’s residential communities. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Shaddock is a dedicated supporter of higher education, generously contributing to Schreiner University and Texas Christian University.

Medicine and Public Health

Dr. Carlos Campos ’75: A New Braunfels, Texas native, earned an Associate of Arts from Schreiner College and a Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University. He completed medical school at Baylor College of Medicine and has been Board Certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians since 1984. He also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Dr. Campos has practiced primary care in New Braunfels since 1984. He served on the Texas Medical Board (1993-1999) and was Chief of Staff at McKenna Memorial Hospital in 1993. He is a Clinical Adjunct Professor at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. In 2000 he founded The Institute for Public Health and Education Research (TIPHER), where he now serves as Executive Director. He was the founding medical director for Resolute Health Center for Wellbeing/Diabetic Center.

Richard P. Marrs, M.D.: Alumni

Ministry and Service

Rev. Jasiel Hernandez Garcia ’15: Originally from Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico, came to the United States to attend Presbyterian Pan American School before earning his B.B.A in Marketing (Summa Cum Laude) from Schreiner University. He continued his education at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, receiving his M.Div. with the Charles L. King Preaching Award and the David L. Stitt Graduate Fellowship for Academic Excellence. His ministerial journey includes serving as a Lake Fellow Pastoral Resident at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis (2018-2020) and as Associate Pastor and Acting Head of Staff at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta (2020-2023).

Caitlin Leal ’21: As a double major in Communication Studies and Psychology, Caitlin embraced campus leadership as President of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Campus, Mountaineer Mentor, Student Ambassador, and Catholic Peer Ministry Leader. Her contributions earned her Ambassador of the Year (2020) and Servant Leader of the Year (2021) honors, culminating in the prestigious Presidential Distinguished Medallion at graduation. After briefly serving as an Admissions Counselor at Schreiner, Caitlin joined Make-A-Wish North Texas, where she now works as Wish Discovery Manager. In this role, she guides families through the beginning stages of their wish journey, helping transform children’s dreams into reality-from arranging visits to Star Wars filming locations to creating special experiences with the Dallas Cowboys.

Arts and Photography

Aaron Yates ‘07: Was born and raised in Kerrville, Texas, and is a Tivy High School and Schreiner University graduate. He worked as a land surveyor for ten years before starting his full-time photography and videography business in 2010. Both for work and recreationally, Aaron prefers to spend his time outdoors, whether that’s capturing footage for a real estate shoot on a beautiful Texas ranch or exploring a national park in a remote corner of the continent.

Other Notable Alumni

James E.
Gene S. Capt.
Martin L.
Peter W.
Raymond E.
James B.
Dr. William B.
Dr. N. Richard E.
Frank W.
Dr. Hugh H.
Frank N.
Dr. Charles H.
Dr. Sam McDowell.
Dr. John L.
Dr. Samuel W.T.
Dr. Roy Q.
Dr. Park L.
James E. Harris
J.
Dr. Thomas W.
Dr. Frank W.
The Honorable Marvin A.
Dr. H. W.
Joe C.
Jerry E.
Meleah M.
Captain Jack M.
John R.
William E. “Bill” Fox, Jr.
Major William G.
Claude R.
H.C.
Dr. Charles H.
Albert B.
Rex R.
H.N.
Donald W.
Bill E.
Tom L.
William C.

Faculty Spotlight

Schreiner University is home to dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields and committed to student success. Two notable faculty members are:

Brandon Pauley: Is a trumpeter and bass-baritone from San Antonio, Texas. Pauley is an avid trumpet performer, having worked with several notable ensembles such as Kerrville’s Symphony of the Hills, The Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, The Wichita Symphony Orchestra, The San Antonio Brass Band, and others. He has also often performed as a singer in a variety of professional choral ensembles in Texas, Illinois, and Kansas. Pauley has been a faculty member at Schreiner University since 2020, where he teaches applied high brass, musicology, and ethnomusicology classes. Between 2016 and 2018, Pauley studied trumpet performance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While at UIUC, he performed with the University of Illinois Wind Symphony, along with the university’s jazz, orchestral, and contemporary music ensembles. In the Spring of 2016, Pauley earned a Master of Music degree from Wichita State University, where he served as a graduate student assistant under Dr. Mark Laycock. While at WSU, he was a winner of the university’s Concerto Competition and performed Vivaldi’s Concerto in C Major with the university orchestra. In 2014, Pauley earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Texas State University. Outside of teaching and preparing for various performances, Pauley is an enthusiastic home-cook. He enjoys cooking in many different styles, but his specialty is Texas-style barbecue and smoked beef brisket.

Roy Martin: Is Coordinator of Bands at Schreiner University. Martin grew up in the Corpus Christi, Texas area, graduating from Gregory-Portland High School, under the award-winning direction of Fred Klaerner. Martin attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, studying trombone under Eileen Meyer. While at Del Mar, Martin earned a position in the Texas Community College Band Directors Association All-State Band, performing at the TMEA convention. Martin received his Bachelor of Music degree with instrumental emphasis for The University of Texas at Austin. While at UT- Austin, he studied trombone under Donald Knaub and Nathaniel Brickens, performing with the world-renowned University of Texas Trombone Choir. Martin also completed graduate work and his Texas teacher certification at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. His bands have been consistent U.I.L. Martin is an active marching and concert band judge, currently holding memberships in The Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Texas Music Adjudicators Association.

A Century of Legacy

As Schreiner University continues to evolve and thrive, its storied history remains a testament to the enduring values of education, community, and adaptability. From its beginnings as Schreiner Institute to its current status as a comprehensive liberal arts university, Schreiner has embraced change while staying true to its commitment to shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the future. In honor of Schreiner University’s 100-year anniversary, Enter with Hope: Schreiner at 100, a commemorative coffee table book was published. This beautiful hardcover book has over 200 pages of beautiful photos of the journey of Schreiner University from its inception in 1923 to the flourishing and diverse college campus that Schreiner University is today.

Athletics at Schreiner University

Schreiner University sports teams participate as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)'s Division III. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, track and field, cross country, golf, soccer and tennis; while women's sports include basketball, track and field, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.

Schreiner University has made strides in bringing football back to its campus. After losing a coach, Schreiner looked to Keith Allen to re-start the football program. David Jones joined Schreiner as offensive coordinator.

Greek Life at Schreiner University

Greek life began at Schreiner University with the chartering of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon, establishing its Gamma Gamma chapter on January 25, 2003. On May 3 of the same year, the Phi Delta Theta fraternity established its Texas Sigma chapter, being the first fraternity to be officially chartered with 26 founding fathers including Mickey Holt, 2nd baseman of the baseball team. Greek life had been unofficially established on campus earlier, on February 21, 2001, when Chi Phi fraternity founded a colony at Schreiner University; however, the colony was not chartered into the Iota Theta chapter of the Chi Phi fraternity until 2005.

Financial Strength

In 2017, Schreiner surpassed its five-year capital campaign fundraising goal of $50 million. Since 2012, the institution has received $52.4 million from approximately 3,600 donors. Nearly $30 million of the amount raised is earmarked for student scholarships, which have been previously funded at $13 million. The school will add endowed chairs in mathematics, science, and humanities and hire a visiting artist and performer or designer in residence. As of March, 2016, the university's endowment was $57.9 million.

A Tribute to Frank Denius

Schreiner University mourns the loss of Frank Denius, a donor, distinguished alumni and friend of the University. One of America’s most highly decorated veterans of World War II, receiving four Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts, Denius returned home and distinguished himself at the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his law degree in 1949 and soon developed a reputation as one of Texas’ top lawyers and civic leaders. Denius arrived in Kerrville to enroll in Schreiner Institute in 1938. He remembers that the “rules were definite, and the discipline was demanding.” According to Denius Schreiner taught me “discipline, how to study and I learned people.” He remembers fondly the close fellowship among and between fellow cadets. Another day etched in Denius’ mind was Pearl Harbor Day. All cadets were immediately summoned to campus. Denius said, “Military training and the discipline that went with it became part of my life. Denius was recognized as a UT Distinguished Alumnus in 1991, and in 2017 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Law Alumni Association.

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