Arleigh Brantley Templeton, a native of New Waverly and a graduate of Sam Houston, succeeded Lowman.

During the Templeton years, the State Legislature authorized another change in the name of the institution, to Sam Houston State College in 1965, and then in 1969, another change in name to Sam Houston State University. During Templeton's presidency, the programs in criminal justice, which would soon acquire national prominence, were developed. The physical plant investment of the school increased dramatically with the construction of a new library [Newton Gresham Library} and several other instructional facilities [Academic Building 1 formerly known as the "MFL" or Mathematics-Foreign Languages Bldg. and Smith-Hutson Business Administration Building formerly known as the Business-Economics Building]. When Templeton resigned in 1970, the enrollment had reached 8,602 and the University both in appearance and organization had departed dramatically from the normal institute era.

Subsequently, Templeton served as president of University of Texas at San Antonio during the initial construction of the new campus and later as president of the University of Texas at El Paso.

Sources include: 1980-81 Undergraduate Catalogue and The Houstonian, November 12, 1996.