UT Austin Dedicates Architecture Library to John S. Chase

The University of Texas at Austin honored the trailblazing architect with a building naming in Battle Hall.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Awards

Gouache-painted illustration of a historic limestone archway, representing the architecture library dedication at UT Austin. — The University of Texas at Austin has dedicated its Architecture and Planning Library to John S. Chase, the state's first Black licensed architect. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The University of Texas at Austin has officially dedicated its Architecture and Planning Library to John S. Chase, the first Black licensed architect in Texas. The ceremony took place in the historic Battle Hall on the university campus.

Why it matters

The naming honors the lasting legacy of Chase, an alumnus who broke significant racial barriers in the field of architecture within the state. It recognizes both his professional achievements and his dedicated service to the university community.

The naming was supported by a $5 million donation from Anthony Chase and Dina Al-Sowayel, which includes a $1 million commitment for two new endowments at the School of Architecture. The library is housed in Battle Hall, a facility originally designed in 1911.

The players

John S. Chase

He was a pioneering professional who became the first Black licensed architect in the state of Texas.

University of Texas at Austin

This major public research university in Austin serves as the state's flagship institution of higher education.

The details

John S. Chase earned his Master of Architecture from the institution in 1952 after enrolling in 1950. In addition to his architectural career, he served as the first Black president of the Texas Exes, the university's alumni association, during the 1998-1999 term.

John S. Chase enrolled at the university in 1950.
Chase earned a Master of Architecture in 1952.
Chase served as president of the Texas Exes from 1998-1999.
The university held the library dedication ceremony on October 22, 2026.

Culture Shift

The university's continued efforts to preserve African American history in Texas follow the precedent set by its 2018 acquisition of the Colored Teachers State Association building. This naming marks a shift toward institutional recognition of Black trailblazers in state history.

Students and faculty at the School of Architecture will now have access to resources supported by the new $1 million endowment pledge. The site in Battle Hall remains open for researchers and visitors interested in the history of Texas architecture.

The takeaway

The dedication serves as a permanent tribute to a figure who fundamentally changed the architectural landscape of Texas. Readers can explore local historic archives to better understand the contributions of pioneers in their own communities.