About MSC Jordan

History of the L.T. Jordan Institute

The MSC Leland T. and Jessie W. Jordan Institute for International Awareness has become a leader in providing students with opportunities for learning about the world in which we live. The MSC L.T. Jordan Institute first opened its doors in December 1986 through a generous endowment from Mrs. Jessie Wright Jordan in the name of her late husband as the MSC L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness. Having lived abroad most of their lives, they knew the importance of traveling abroad and wanted to give Texas A&M students the opportunity to experience it themselves. Since its inception in 1986, the MSC L.T. and J.W. Jordan Institute has grown to bring many innovative and creative programs to Texas A&M University.  In memory of Jessie Jordan, her generosity, and her early involvement, the MSC L.T. Jordan Institute expanded its name to honor her as well.

The Establishment of the Institute

The MSC L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness was established in 1983, following an urgent call from Jessie Wright Jordan, the widow of Texas A&M former student Leland T. Jordan. Jessie expressed her intention to make a significant donation to Texas A&M, but only if they presented a proposal that aligned with her interests. Jim Reynolds, then MSC Director at the time, and his team swiftly drafted a proposal, aiming to create an institute focused on international awareness—an initiative the university had long recognized as a gap in its student programs.

Mrs. Jordan wanted to memorialize her husband’s legacy, particularly his accomplishments in international diplomacy and business, while also helping students expand their global perspectives. After reviewing the proposal, Jessie agreed to fund the creation of the MSC L.T. Jordan Institute, which would support international travel and awareness programs for students. Over the next two years, Jessie worked closely with Reynolds, frequently visiting campus and negotiating the terms of her gift. Eventually, in 1986, she donated $1 million to establish the Institute, securing her legacy as a benefactor and member of the Texas A&M family. In addition to the monetary donation, Mrs. Jordan donated a number of personal items which commemorate their many years overseas. These items now make up the MSC L.T. Jordan Institute Collection.

Jessie was known for her strong personality, storytelling, and deep connections with the people of Kuwait, where her husband had worked for many years. Her vision and generosity laid the foundation for what is now the MSC L.T. Jordan Institute, fostering global awareness and opportunities for Aggies.

About Mr. Jordan

Leland Thomas Jordan (1906 – 1976)

Leland Thomas Jordan, class of 1929, was a native of Lufkin, Texas.  Known to friends and colleagues as “L.T.”, he was truly an international citizen, spending more than 30 years in Venezuela and Kuwait.

Mr. Jordan began his career in the oil fields of Kansas and Oklahoma during summer breaks from Texas A&M University where he studied mechanical engineering. He was captain of Battery A in the Corps of Cadets and was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) upon graduation in 1929.

Gulf Oil Corporation hired Mr. Jordan in 1929 as a production engineer in the oil fields of Venezuela. By 1945, he was general manager of Gulf Oil’s Western Division in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Gulf Oil and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, later known as British Petroleum, created the Kuwait Oil Company, Ltd. and in 1948, picked Leland Jordan to manage this young company.  In thirteen short years, Mr. Jordan with employees from twenty-nine countries transformed this company into a highly successful enterprise.

In recognition of Mr. Jordan’s service to British interests in Kuwait, Queen Elizabeth II appointed him Honorary Commander of the Civil Division of the Order of the British Empire in 1958, and Honorary Knight Commander in 1961, honors rarely conferred upon a non-British subject.

Upon retirement in 1962, Mr. Jordan returned to Lufkin with his wife of 27 years, the former Jessie Wright.  He continued to play an integral role in the affairs of the Kuwait Oil Company and was actively involved in the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University, becoming a charter member of the Century Club.

About Mrs. Jordan

Jessie Wright Jordan (1907 – 1996)

Also a native of Lufkin, TX, Mrs. Jordan was in fact born and raised next door to L.T. Jordan and they grew up childhood best friends. They eventually married after Mr. Jordan had worked in Venezuela for a few years. After moving to Kuwait, Mrs. Jordan often acted as the Queen’s representative, working at official events in Kuwait.

After Mr. Jordan passed away in 1976 and in his memory, Mrs. Jordan endowed Texas A&M University with the MSC L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness. Founded in December of 1986, the Institute serves to foster Mr. Jordan’s spirit of internationalism in the students of this university.