Texas State University, often referred to simply as Texas State, was originally established as Southwest Texas State Normal School.
Authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1899, this institution opened its doors in 1903. Its initial mission was to prepare students for teaching careers, reflecting the "Normal School" designation which indicated a focus on standardized teacher education.
Evolution of the University's Name
Over more than a century, the institution's name evolved to reflect its expanding mission and academic scope. During its first century, the Texas Legislature maintained the regional designation ("Southwest Texas State") in its name, even as its academic mission broadened significantly beyond its initial focus.
Below is a historical timeline of the university's official names:
| Period | Official Name | Key Change/Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1903 – 1918 | Southwest Texas State Normal School | The original name upon its opening, emphasizing its role in training teachers with a standardized curriculum. |
| 1918 – 1923 | Southwest Texas State Normal College | Elevated its status, signifying a broader curriculum beyond basic normal school training. |
| 1923 – 1959 | Southwest Texas State Teachers College | Re-emphasized its primary role in teacher education while still offering other programs. |
| 1959 – 1969 | Southwest Texas State College | Dropped the "Teachers" designation, reflecting a further expansion into various academic disciplines and a more comprehensive college curriculum. |
| 1969 – 2003 | Southwest Texas State University | Achieved university status, allowing it to offer a wider range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across multiple colleges and departments. |
| 2003 – Present | Texas State University | The current name, adopted to reflect its statewide reach and prominence, removing the regional "Southwest" designation. This change occurred on September 1, 2003, as part of its centennial celebration. |
The progression from a "Normal School" to a "College" and then a "University" illustrates the institution's growth from a specialized teacher training facility to a comprehensive public university offering a diverse range of educational opportunities. This transformation mirrors the broader development of higher education in Texas.
For more detailed information on the history of Texas State University, you can visit its official history page.
