2008
Governor Dolph Briscoe
Through his public service and accomplishments in ranching and philanthropy, Governor Dolph Briscoe has become one of our state's most respected former elected officials. A descendant of one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, he was born in Uvalde and graduated from the University of Texas. After having served in World War II, he went on to serve in the Texas House of Representatives from 1949-1957. While in office, he cosponsored legislation that established the farm-to-market road system that developed rural Texas. After leaving office, he devoted himself to ranching, becoming one of the state's leading ranchers and president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers' Association. His accomplishments in ranching, including his work in launching a screwworm eradication program, earned him the Texas A&M University Distinguished Texan in Agriculture Award. As Governor of Texas from 1973-1979, he worked to increase government efficiency and kept his campaign promise of not instituting any new taxes, while enacting a balanced budget. He established the Governor's Task Force on Youth and Rehabilitation and signed into law the Texas Open Records Act. As a strong philanthropist, he has provided extensive support for numerous causes including mental health, Texas history, medicine, the arts and various social services.
Through his public service and accomplishments in ranching and philanthropy, Governor Dolph Briscoe has become one of our state's most respected former elected officials. A descendant of one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, he was born in Uvalde and graduated from the University of Texas. After having served in World War II, he went on to serve in the Texas House of Representatives from 1949-1957. While in office, he cosponsored legislation that established the farm-to-market road system that developed rural Texas. After leaving office, he devoted himself to ranching, becoming one of the state's leading ranchers and president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers' Association. His accomplishments in ranching, including his work in launching a screwworm eradication program, earned him the Texas A&M University Distinguished Texan in Agriculture Award. As Governor of Texas from 1973-1979, he worked to increase government efficiency and kept his campaign promise of not instituting any new taxes, while enacting a balanced budget. He established the Governor's Task Force on Youth and Rehabilitation and signed into law the Texas Open Records Act. As a strong philanthropist, he has provided extensive support for numerous causes including mental health, Texas history, medicine, the arts and various social services.