The Josey School of Vocational Education was a division of Sam Houston State Teachers College established in 1945 in honor of the Josey family. The school was a post-World War II vocational training for varying fields, including agriculture, home management, photography, auto mechanics, furniture, electric appliances, interior decorating, and other similar trades. The school's purpose was to train individuals- veterans and civilians- to become efficient workers and managers in their given industry. Expenses were paid for veteran students, while civilian students were expected to pay.

The Josey School of Vocational Education was built southwest of the main campus of SHSTC. The school included an Agriculture Farm Shop, Auto Shop, Industrial Education Laboratory, and an Industrial Technology Metals Lab. The school was moved to Country Campus, where students were able to live in the dorms. When students had classes at the main campus, a bus would bring students back and forth. Later, the school offered college credit courses.

In 1998, the Agricultural Farm Shop was demolished, and in 2002 the Auto Shop, Industrial Technology Metals Lab, and Industrial Education Laboratory followed due to age and upkeep. After demolition, the property remained vacant until the Workshop in Art Studio and History (WASH) Building was built in 2010.