Ethie Lee Pool was the first student to enroll in the Southwest Texas State Normal School when its doors opened in 1903. She was the keynote speaker at the Ex Students’ Banquet held Nov. 30, 1929.

Records verify that a Hispanic surnamed student enrolled at the university as early as 1906. Maria Elena Zamora, who would become Maria Elena Zamora-O’Sheay, and whose 1935 novel was edited for re-issue, attended in 1906 and in the summer of 1911 when she pursued her teacher certification.

The integration of black students occurred at Texas State in February 1963 when five young black women registered for classes as a result of the U.S. District Court order. Of the original five, Dana Jean Smith of San Marcos graduated, receiving a bachelor of science in education with a major in elementary education in 1967.

the first bachelor’s degree was awarded in 1919

the first master’s degree was awarded in 1937

the first doctoral degree was awarded in 1999 

J.E. Blair

J.S. Brown

Lucy Burleson

Mary S. Butler

Alfred Freshney

Willie S. Foster

Thomas Green Harris

Lula Hines

Helen Hornsby

W.A. Palmer

Annie Pearsoll

J.E. Pritchett

Jessie Sayers

Lillie Shaver

Maud M. Shipe

S.W. Stanfield

Kate White

September 9, 1903 – 1918            Southwest Texas State Normal School

1918-1923                                   Southwest Texas State Normal College

1923-1959                                   Southwest Texas State Teachers College

1959-1969                                   Southwest Texas State College

1969-2003                                   Southwest Texas State University

September 2003 - present            Texas State University-San Marcos