Although in 1915 there was no drama education in Methodist colleges and universities in Texas, today all Methodist schools of higher education in Texas have at least course offerings in drama. Southern Methodist University was one of the first Methodist schools to offer such courses which began with the hiring of Mary McCord to teach public speaking in September, 1915. The problem of this study is to explain the contributions of Mary McCord to the development of drama education at Southern Methodist University. It is recommended that the development of the department after Miss McCord retired be examined, that the students taught by Miss McCord who chose theatre as their life's work be interviewed about the effect of her training on their careers, and that a thorough study of the McCord Theatre Collection be undertaken.