Celebrating 125 Years

graphic reading TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY 125 on maroon background

Happy Birthday Bobcats!

Texas State University’s 125th anniversary celebration kicks off today as we recognize  Founders Day during Spring 2024 Commencement. It is incredible to think about how much TXST has changed since May 10, 1899 when Texas Governor Joseph Sayers signed a bill to establish a teachers school in San Marcos. The first class of 32 teachers graduated from Southwest Texas State Normal School in May, 1904. For perspective, more than 4,000 students are expected to participate during our three days of commencement ceremonies this Spring.

an aged black and white photo of a large building on a hill with students standing on the hill with a colorful gradient overlay

‌In the coming year, we will explore how that small school has grown across the decades and evolved into the student-centered research university that TXST is today – with two campuses, more than 38,000 students, and a catalog offering more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees.

‌As we celebrate our history, we also look to the future. Our guiding star has always been to build a better tomorrow. This remains our ambition, and it is encapsulated in The Legacy of Tomorrow, the theme for TXST 125. The Legacy of Tomorrow highlights how the university’s mission has consistently focused on empowering and preparing our students to build a better future — for themselves, for their communities, for Texas, and for the world.

An aged black and white photo of student cheering with a colorful gradient overlay

‌We have prepared numerous resources to celebrate TXST 125. I encourage you to
check them out to learn more about our history and to make the most of this
milestone.

  • The official TXST 125 website explores where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going next. The site digs into our history with a comprehensive timeline and in-depth eras pages. It also highlights the TXST of the 21st century and how our students, faculty, and staff are shaping tomorrow.
  • The TXST 125 store is now open. Get into the anniversary spirit with commemorative TXST 125 items available in the online Bobcat Shop.

As we honor our spring graduates, I can’t think of a better time to celebrate Founders Day and kick off TXST 125. These new Bobcat alums embody the hard work, diversity, creativity, and scholarship we stand for. They truly are The Legacy of Tomorrow.