Friday, February 21, 1969

The Masterson crisis began on this day with the formal announcement of William Masterson's selection as president. Masterson, a Houston native and Rice alumnus, had been a history professor at Rice and Dean of Humanities before serving as president of the University of Chattanooga in Tennessee. 

Rumors of his appointment had circulated for days before it was announced. On Thursday, February 20, Trustees Herbert Allen and James Teague met with the faculty-student advisory committee to tell them of their decision. The committee was shocked, having not been consulted over the decision and knowing that Masterson did not have a great reputation among many members of the Rice faculty. Masterson was known among students for being strict, and his actions and behavior as an administrator were unpopular with the faculty.

The next day, Herbert Allen announced the Masterson appointment to the faculty at a meeting held in the Chemistry Amphitheater. A meeting of 450 students was held at the Physics Amphitheater at the same time to discuss the decision. 

Listen below to audio clips from a KOWL radio interview with faculty and students about their reactions to the Masterson appointment and what it could mean for the future of the university.