Dr. Clifford Houston was the third president of Mesa State College and his father, Elmer (Pop) Houston served as Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. 

The Social and Behavioral Sciences department is housed in Houston Hall, which is named for both Houstons. The younger Houston was first appointed dean in 1931 when Colorado Mesa University (CMU) was still Grand Junction Junior College and later became president. Pop Houston worked in his position for 24 years and retired two months before his 80th birthday.

Many articles published in school and local newspapers about the name and status change from Grand Junction Junior College to Mesa State College credited the Houston pair as major influencers.

Houston Hall was named on Nov. 21, 1969 after the two men. Both were heavily involved in the Grand Junction community as well.

Houston Hall is a two story building that holds offices and lectures halls as well as smaller classrooms. 

“I like that it’s old but I also don’t like that it’s old. The windows have really great views and I like that [the rooms] are smaller because the classes feel more individualized,” junior Political Science major Trevor Cook said. 

Houston is one of the older buildings on campus and has had fix ups and add ons through the years. CMU updates buildings in smaller increments to not affect the students in classes.