Texas State University

Texas State University
Name	Texas State University
Established	1899
Type	Public research university
Endowment	$300+ million
President	Kelly Damphousse
City	San Marcos
State	Texas
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 507 acres (San Marcos); 101 acres (Round Rock)
Students	38,873 (Fall 2023)
Faculty	2,400+
Colors	Maroon and Old Gold
Nickname	Bobcats
Affiliations	University of Texas System, APLU, SACSCOC

Texas State University. It is a public research university and the flagship institution of the Texas State University System. Located in San Marcos, Texas, between Austin and San Antonio, it is the fifth-largest university in Texas. The university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and is designated as an Hispanic-Serving Institution.

History

Founded in 1899 as the Southwest Texas State Normal School, its original mission was to train teachers for the public schools of Texas. The institution evolved through several name changes, becoming Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1923 and later Southwest Texas State College in 1959. A pivotal moment in its history was the enrollment of a young Lyndon B. Johnson, who graduated in 1930 and later became the 36th President of the United States. The university gained significant growth and status after being renamed Southwest Texas State University in 1969 and joining the newly formed Texas State University System. It received its current name in 2003 following legislative action, reflecting its expanded role as a major doctoral-granting institution. Key milestones include the establishment of its doctoral programs in 1992 and its designation as a national university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Academics

The university is organized into ten colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and Engineering, and the College of Fine Arts and Communication. It offers over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. Texas State is recognized for its programs in aquatic biology, creative writing, criminal justice, and geography. The university houses several notable research centers, such as the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Spring Lake and the Wittliff Collections, which archive the works of Southwestern writers and photographers. Faculty and students are engaged in significant research funded by agencies like the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and NASA. The university also maintains a growing campus in Round Rock for upper-level and graduate programs.

Campus

The main campus spans over 500 acres along the banks of the San Marcos River in the Texas Hill Country. Historic buildings like Old Main and the Supple Science Building anchor the campus, which features a mix of traditional and modern architecture. Notable facilities include the Alkek Library, one of the largest academic libraries in Texas, the Student Recreation Center, and the Bobcat Stadium. The university manages the Freeman Ranch, a 4,500-acre facility used for agricultural and ecological research. The campus is also home to the Aquarena Center site, a former theme park now dedicated to environmental education and preservation of the San Marcos Springs.

Student life

With over 400 student organizations, campus life is active and diverse, including groups like the Student Government Association, honor societies, and cultural organizations. The university hosts major events such as Bobcat Build, a large-scale community service project, and Texas State Pride Week. A significant portion of the student body is involved in the thriving Greek life community, with numerous fraternities and sororities. The University Star is the award-winning, student-run newspaper. The location on the San Marcos River provides unique recreational opportunities, and the proximity to both Austin and San Antonio offers students access to major cultural and professional centers.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Texas State Bobcats, compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. The football team plays its home games at Bobcat Stadium, while basketball and volleyball teams compete at the Strahan Arena within the University Events Center. The university also fields teams in sports such as track and field, golf, soccer, and softball. The athletic program has produced numerous conference champions and individual athletes who have competed in events like the Olympic Games. The rivalry with nearby University of Texas at San Antonio is a notable feature of the athletic calendar.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in numerous fields, particularly in national politics, entertainment, and public service. The most famous alumnus is President Lyndon B. Johnson, whose legacy is honored by the LBJ Museum of San Marcos and the LBJ Student Center. Other distinguished graduates include actor and musician Matthew McConaughey, former United States Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Katherine Boo. In sports, notable alumni include Major League Baseball player Spud Chandler and National Football League players like Claude Mathis. The university's alumni also include influential figures in business, such as former CEO of Whole Foods Market John Mackey, and in the arts, like songwriter and producer Michael Morales.

Category:Texas State University Category:Universities and colleges in Texas Category:Public universities and colleges in Texas Category:Educational institutions established in 1899