Arid Land Studies: History

ICASALS was established in August of 1966 by unanimous decision of the Texas Tech Board of Directors. President Grover Murray was inspired to create a special international mission for Tech during his travels to North Africa. One-third of Earth is considered to be an arid or semiarid region and the geographic location of Texas Tech made the study of arid and semiarid lands appropriate. Dr. Murray intended for ICASALS to bring world-wide distinction to the University and to involve the efforts of all academic departments and units at the University. President Murray's vision on the role of higher education in the study of arid and semi-arid lands resonates as loud now, as it did when it was originally presented.