The two-year[1] Vernon Regional Junior College welcomed its first student body of 608 in 1972, and had a board of trustees of seven members.

In 1970, the Wilbarger County voters had elected to establish the college.

The 100-acre (40.47 ha; 0.16 sq mi) campus was located at Texas State Highway 70 and US 287.

[2] The Red River Valley Museum is located on the main campus.

[3] Vernon College's service area includes 12 counties in North Texas.