Angelo State University celebrates opening of Housley Tower

On April 29, Angelo State University celebrated the dedication of the Housley Tower, honoring the late Bob Housley, an esteemed entrepreneur and philanthropist. The event, attended by ASU and Texas Tech University System officials including Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell and the Housley family, marked a significant addition to the campus.

Named for Robert "Bob" Housley, the tower rises 65 feet and occupies a 215-square-foot plot strategically located between Stephens Chapel and South Johnson Street. Its design complements the adjacent chapel with matching brick-and-stone construction and features ASU Ram horns in the stucco at the belfry. Pedestrians can walk through arched entries on all sides, making the tower a central part of the university mall.

"This bell tower has been years in the making, and when you talk about being able to communicate something to a community and to the students that are here, very few things do that like a university bell tower," Mitchell said. "It will be something that students here today and those here in 20 years will remember as part of their experience at Angelo State University."

Bob Housley, remembered for his pioneering spirit in telecommunications and his profound community involvement, founded Housley Communications based on principles of honesty, integrity and quality. His legacy extends past his business achievements, touching various sectors of community service and education in San Angelo and beyond.

The Housley Tower is equipped with an electronic Verdin Carillon Bell System, which includes 7,800 songs in various bell voices, customizable tolling bells and clock chimes, chiming daily at pivotal times throughout the day. The tower also boasts color-changing LEDs designed to enhance its architectural features during significant campus events, such as the May 10-11 spring commencement ceremonies.

"The Housley Tower stands as a symbol of the values that Bob cherished — excellence and community," ASU President Ronnie Hawkins Jr. said. "It represents more than just a structure; it is a lasting tribute to a man whose life significantly shaped our community."

The tower was designed by KFW Architects Inc., constructed by Mid-Tex of Midland Inc. and funded by a generous donation from Mona Housley in memory of her husband. With engineering led by Leap! Structures of Austin and Chambers Engineering of Lubbock, the tower not only fulfills Bob Housley's dream of having a bell tower at ASU, but also establishes a new iconic structure for generations of students to come.