Oral history interview with Patsy Strader

Abstract provided by interviewer Nina Anzualda. Patsy Strader attended Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas from 1948-1951 and received a B.A. in Music from the College. Abilene Christian College/University prides itself on giving students a Christian education, as well as instilling them with the word of God through required Bible classes. Abilene Christian College/University has a reputation that women only attended ACU to find a husband, and this is very much true during the time Mrs, Strader attended the college. She explains how many women only had one goal at college and it was not to graduate. But even if one did obtain a degree the options were slim and so were the choices of jobs after. Mrs. Strader also addresses the difference in clothing. And how women had stricter rules when it came to dress code and curfew. She also mentions how women were not allowed in positions of leadership over men and how they were only allowed to be in charge of certain jobs within their campus clubs. Mrs. Strader mentions how this was simply the way it was during this time. Many women, including herself, simply went with the rules placed on them because they did not know any different. This interview provides primary source information on Abilene Christian College’s student life, gendered social and cultural expectations as expressed in student cultural practices and university residence life regulations, and demonstrates a religious influence over education and career outcomes