Texas State University is not a Historically Black College or University. Despite ongoing online confusion, the institution has a completely different historical origin. The misconception often stems from name changes, geographic proximity to other Texas institutions, and a complex past regarding racial segregation.
Understanding the true background of Texas State University (TXST) requires looking at its founding mandate in 1899, its evolution through the twentieth century, and the distinct legal definitions that separate mainstream public universities from federally recognized HBCUs.
Defining an HBCU: The Legal and Historical Criteria
To understand why Texas State University doesn't fit the designation, we have to look at what legally constitutes an HBCU. Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, an HBCU is defined by three core federal criteria:
- Founding Date: The institution must have been established prior to 1965.
- Primary Mission: Its principal, founding mission from day one must have been the education of Black Americans during an era of legal segregation.
- Accreditation: It must be legally accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.
Prominent examples include Howard University and Prairie View A&M University. These schools were explicitly created to serve African American students who were systematically barred from white-only institutions. As extensively documented in recent reports by Reuters, the implications are notable.
The Founding of Texas State University
Texas State University opened its doors in 1903 as Southwest Texas Normal School. Authorized by the Texas Legislature, its single, explicit mission was to train white teachers for the public schools of Texas.
Like virtually all public institutions established in Texas during that era, it operated under a strict legal framework of racial segregation. Its charter and early policies explicitly restricted enrollment to white students. Because its foundational mandate was the training of teachers for a segregated public school system, it stands apart from any historical alignment with Black higher education.
Why Do People Confuse Texas State with an HBCU?
Several historical and naming factors contribute to the persistent myth that Texas State University is an HBCU.
1. Name Changes Over Time
Over the decades, the institution went through multiple name changes as it evolved from a small normal school into a major comprehensive university:
- Southwest Texas Normal School (1899–1923)
- Southwest Texas State Teachers College (1923–1959)
- Southwest Texas State College (1959–1969)
- Southwest Texas State University (1969–2003)
- Texas State University-San Marcos (2003–2013)
- Texas State University (2013–Present)
None of these historical names indicate a connection to Black higher education, but casual observers sometimes confuse the modern title with other state-funded systems.
2. Confusion with Texas Southern University
The most common source of confusion is the name similarity between Texas State University and Texas Southern University (TSU).
Texas Southern University, located in Houston, is a prominent HBCU. Established originally in 1927 as Houston Colored Junior College and later named Texas State University for Negroes in 1947, TSU has a direct historical link to the legal battles for equal access in Texas higher education. People frequently conflate Texas State University in San Marcos with Texas Southern University in Houston due to the overlapping terminology in their former and current names.
3. Integration History
Texas State University desegregated following a federal court order in 1963. Doris Washington became the first African American student to graduate from the institution in 1967. While the campus has grown increasingly diverse in the decades since, integration changed its student demographics rather than its founding historical mission.
Texas State University Today
Today, Texas State is a thriving, diverse doctoral-granting university serving tens of thousands of students across its San Marcos and Round Rock campuses. It embraces a multicultural student body and a commitment to inclusive student success, but its institutional classification remains that of a large public research university—not a Historically Black College or University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Texas State University ever an all-Black institution?
No. From its opening in 1903 until its court-ordered desegregation in 1963, the university operated exclusively for white students.
Which university in Texas is often confused with Texas State?
Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston is frequently confused with Texas State because TSU was formally named Texas State University for Negroes from 1947 to 1951. TSU is a recognized HBCU, whereas Texas State in San Marcos is not.
When did Texas State University admit its first Black students?
The university officially integrated following a federal court order in 1963, allowing African American students to enroll and pave the way for subsequent graduating classes.
Does Texas State offer programs or scholarships for minority students?
Yes. Like many modern comprehensive public universities, Texas State provides various institutional support programs, cultural centers, and financial aid opportunities aimed at fostering an inclusive environment for all student demographics.
