HISTORY & TRADITIONS
How Texas State got through 126 years
A small teachers’ college in San Marcos in 1899, now a research university with more than 47,000 students. Along the way it changed its name seven times and educated the only U.S. president to graduate from a Texas college.
1899
authorised by the Texas Legislature
1903
first classes began
7
names the university has carried
1930
the year Lyndon B. Johnson graduated here
Seven names in 114 years
The Texas Legislature authorised the institution in 1899 as Southwest Texas State Normal School — "normal school" being the term of the day for a teacher-training college — and it opened its doors in 1903. Each renaming marked a widening of what the institution taught.
| Year | Name |
|---|---|
| 1899 | Southwest Texas State Normal School (authorised) |
| 1918 | Southwest Texas State Normal College |
| 1923 | Southwest Texas State Teachers College |
| 1959 | Southwest Texas State College |
| 1969 | Southwest Texas State University |
| 2003 | Texas State University–San Marcos |
| 2013 | Texas State University |
If you see "Southwest Texas State" or "SWT" on an older diploma, article or record, it is the same institution. The Legislature dropped the regional "Southwest" in 2003, and the place name went in 2013.
Old Main — the first building
This red-roofed, castle-like landmark was the university’s first building and the only structure on campus until 1908. It opened in time for the first classes in autumn 1903 and later served as the administration building. The roof was originally silver metal that oxidised dark over time; red shingles were added after 1944 and soon changed to tiles to match the Spanish Colonial style. An extensive restoration in 1993–94 returned the roof to its original style and colour.
Most of the second floor was originally a large auditorium and chapel with an ornately carved and filigreed cathedral ceiling, a stage at one end and a balcony at the other, where assemblies, plays and presentations were held. The auditorium was subdivided in the 1972 renovation, and in 1985 a floor was added at balcony level; remnants of the ornate ceiling are still visible on the third floor. Old Main now houses the College of Fine Arts and Communication and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Lyndon B. Johnson, Class of 1930
The university was founded in 1899 to prepare teachers for Texas, and among those who studied here was Lyndon B. Johnson — the only U.S. president to graduate from a Texas college. He took his degree in 1930. Thirty-five years later, on 8 November 1965, he returned to this same campus to sign the Higher Education Act, the law that opened university to millions of Americans.
Why maroon and gold
The school colours come from the school flower: the gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella), a native wildflower also known as the Firewheel, whose petals run deep red into gold at the tips. The university calls maroon and gold its "original and forever colour combination".
Student traditions
River Jump
Leaping into the San Marcos River after commencement, still in cap and gown. The river holds about 72°F (22°C) all year, so any month works. The university awarded 8,348 degrees in 2024–2025.
Hand signs
"Eat ’Em Up, Cats" — hold up your right hand in the shape of a bobcat paw and shout "Eat ’em up, Cats!". "The Heart of Texas State" — hold up your left hand in the shape of Texas with the two outside fingers pointing down.
Boko the Bobcat
The university’s bobcat mascot, at every game and major event. Along with the Strutters dance team, Boko is the most familiar face in student life.
Homecoming & Cat Camp
Homecoming is the week of parades and the game that brings alumni back. Cat Camp is the orientation camp for incoming students — where most people find their first group of friends.
The Big Event
The day students go out and volunteer across San Marcos — the university’s way of repaying the town that hosts it.
Ring Celebration & Victory Star
The class ring ceremony and the victory star: two rituals marking the moment you formally join the Bobcat alumni community.
Read more on this site
Where the 1965 Higher Education Act was signed
The Texas State palette: twelve colours, three of them brand colours
A record 47,513 students in Fall 2026
Sources: the History & Traditions, Name History, Old Main, School Colors and River Jump pages of Texas State University. No dates have been added beyond those pages. txst.edu/about/history-traditions
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