Kissler, Betty Jane

Biography

Dr. Betty Jane Kissler (1925–2002) was born and raised in Colorado. She received her BA from the University of Colorado in 1947, her MA from Colorado State College in 1952, and her PhD from The University of Texas at Austin in 1970. 

Kissler came to Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1958 and went on to become chair of the Department of History (1980–1988). She also served as chairman of the Faculty Senate and acting dean of the College of Liberal Arts (1982–1983).

Kissler was active on a number of committees which examined the role of women in higher education. She led the Title IX Committee, participated in the SWT Status of Women Committee, and served as president of the San Marcos League of Women Voters. At the state level, Kissler was state president of both the Texas Association of College Teachers and the American Association of University Professor. She was also chair of the State Commission on Standards for the Teaching Profession. Kissler was a member of the San Marcos City Council for ten years.

Kissler won the SWT Alumni Teaching Award and was named Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus by the university in 1995.

Texas 150 Oral History

In her first interview, Dr. Kissler discusses her early educational experiences in Colorado, including a failed stint in law school prior to getting her BA and MA in history. She recalls her trip to Europe in 1950, and early teaching experiences in Montana and California. Kissler details her PhD work at The University of Texas at Austin under Dr. W.P. Webb and how she began working in Southwest Texas State Teachers College's education department before becoming an assistant professor in the history department in the late 1950s and 1960s.

In her second interview, Kissler discusses developing the teacher training program and working with student teachers in the history department. She shares her experiences in working with academic organizations such as AAUP and TACT, including serving on councils and in leadership positions. Kissler also talks about her time serving as chairwoman of the history department and serving on the San Marcos City Council. 

History Department Oral Histories

Dr. Betty Kissler begins the interview by talking about her arrival in 1958 when History was part of the Social Science Department along with Geography, Political Science, Sociology, and Economics.  Her narrative includes department moves into various buildings on campus, changes in curriculum, changes in leadership, and the department's ability to work together.