In 1992, television pioneer W. D. “Dub” Rogers, Jr. donated his extensive collection of television memorabilia to the South Plains College telecommunications program.  Rogers was the founder of KDUB-TV, Channel 13 in Lubbock, which began operations in 1952 as the first television station in West Texas.  The collection chronicles the growth and development of the television industry and includes rare films, audio tapes, photographs, scripts and business records.

The gift of the collection to the college resulted from the efforts of John Sparks, who first met Rogers in 1990.  Sparks initially wanted to video tape an interview with the television pioneer for use in his television classes. During the following two years, the two met on several occassions to discuss the early days of television.  Along the way, Rogers learned about the SPC telecom program and became convinced that South Plains College should become the permanent home of the collection.  The collection is housed in the Communication Building, where it is an important resource for students who wish to learn first-hand about the early days of the television industry on the South Plains.

Researchers wishing to have access to the collection may contact John Sparks at (806) 894-9611, extension 2451 or by email at dub@southplainscollege.edu.