Dr. Harry Fishburne Estill was named as the fifth president in 1908. Estill had been a student, and received the top honors in the first graduating class of Sam Houston Normal Institute.

He has been the longest-serving president with a total of 29 years. The Sam Houston Normal Institute curriculum was expanded to four years in 1918 and the name was changed to Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1923.

During Estill's tenure, the university received full recognition by academic accrediting organizations and built several new buildings. In 1925, the school was admitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1936, graduate programs were offered for the first time and the first dormitory, Belvin Hall, was built.

Dr. Estill was the author of ground-breaking textbooks that were used widely throughout the South. After stepping down as president, Dr. Estill stayed on as the president emeritus and a history professor until his death on February 12, 1942. A memorial service was held for him at Old Main auditorium.

One of the special events during Estill's tenure was a visit by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

The "Estill Building" was constructed as a three-story library and was named the Estill Library in honor of Dr. Harry Fishburne Estill.

Sources include The Houstonian October 31, 1996 and April 23, 1971 and Walker County, Texas: A History, 1986.