The Texas Association of Physical Plant Administrators (TAPPA) began when the Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Texas Secretary of State on May 7, 1979. The first meeting of the Board of Directors was held in San Antonio, Texas, June 19, 1979. At that meeting, Louis deVries was elected Chairman and Paul C. Crall was elected Secretary.

Since its inception in 1979, TAPPA has grown to an organization of over 300 members who are actively involved in the administration and operation of facilities at institutions whose main emphasis is education. The primary emphasis is in the area of higher education (post secondary) however, membership is welcomed from all institutions involved in education.