Willis Male and Female College was founded in 1888, when coeducation was rare. Citizens of Willis raised funds for a 2 1/2-story building put up by contractor Sidney L. Inglet. Taxes funded three of the six months of school, and monthly tuition for the rest of the year ranged from $1.50 for first grade to $4.00. The first directors, M.H. Barker, S.N. Barker, and N.A. Cravens, sold the school in 1890 to C.H. Stovall and F.P. Crow, who in turn sold it in 1894 to Cyril M. Jansky and Marion Kline. The college drew boarding students from a wide area, and at least two diplomas were awarded. In 1901, the plant was sold to the City of Willis for public school purposes.