University History
Over nearly a century and a half, SHSU has expanded its academic offerings, modernized its campus, and deepened its impact across the state and beyond. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and the transformative power of education — always rising to meet the needs of a changing world.
19th and 20th centuries
The Sam Houston State University campus was originally home to Austin College, the Presbyterian institution that relocated to Sherman, Texas, in 1876. Austin Hall was constructed in 1851 and is the oldest university building west of the Mississippi still in operation. It was renovated in 2012 and is used today for special meetings and events. Notably, Sam Houston himself attended and participated in the original dedication of the building.
Created by legislation signed by Governor Oran M. Roberts on San Jacinto Day, April 21, 1879, Sam Houston Normal Institute's dedicated goal was to train teachers for the public schools of Texas. It was the first teacher-training school in the southwestern United States. On October 10 of the same year, the first class of 110 students and four faculty commenced instruction. The first president of the school, Bernard Mallon, died eleven days after the institute opened.
The one-room Peabody Memorial Library was the first free-standing campus library in Texas; it was constructed in 1901 with funds provided by the George Peabody Foundation. According to the Normal Institute's catalog, the library was "a very handsome structure, and specially designed for the purpose for which it is to be used.” It is said that no school of this kind in the South has a Building equal to it. Currently restored, it is now used as a venue for special university events.
When the university first opened, students received a certification to teach in the state's elementary and secondary schools. After 1919, the university began to award bachelor's degrees. In 1936, the school awarded its first postbaccalaureate degree.
21st century
In 2012, SHSU-The Woodlands Center opened on the Lone Star College-Montgomery campus. The university also operates in Conroe, Texas with a building the houses the College of Osteopathic Medicine (opened in 2019) and the Health Professions Building (opening in 2026) that serves programs in the College of Health Sciences.
historical timeline
1879 – Founded as Sam Houston Normal Institute in Huntsville, Texas
- Established by the Texas Legislature as the first teacher-training school in Texas
- Named after General Sam Houston, hero of San Jacinto and the Republic of Texas
1889 – First bachelor’s degree awarded
1902 – Peabody Memorial Library (later the Peabody Memorial Building) constructed, the first library building on campus
1911 – First football game played (Rice defeats Sam Houston)
1923 – Sam Houston Normal Institute renamed Sam Houston State Teachers College, reflecting its expanded mission
1936 – Austin Hall, the oldest university building in continuous operation in Texas, restored as part of the Texas Centennial projects
1959 – First Bearkat costumed mascot appears
1965 – School renamed Sam Houston State College to reflect its growing academic offerings beyond teacher education
1969 – Became Sam Houston State University (SHSU)
1970s – University developed a national reputation for Criminal Justice, establishing one of the nation’s top programs and the Criminal Justice Center
1982 – Old Main building destroyed by fire
1990s – SHSU expanded into graduate and doctoral education, strengthening its research mission
2000s – Significant growth in enrollment and facilities, including the Lowman Student Center expansion, the College of Business Administration Building, and the Performing Arts Center
2010 – SHSU recognized as one of the first in Texas to receive the official Carnegie Community Engagement Classification designation
2011 – First cohort of Criminal Justice Online Master’s Program graduates earn degrees
2012 – The Woodlands Center opens, extending SHSU’s reach into the greater Houston area
2019 – Celebrated 140 years since its founding
2020 – Launched the College of Osteopathic Medicine, addressing the shortage of primary care physicians in Texas, especially in rural and underserved areas
2021 – Bearkats win FCS National Championship
2022 – Designated a Doctoral University of High Research Activity by The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
2023 – SHSU Rodeo debuts the new rodeo area at Gibbs Ranch, Sonny Sikes Arena
2025 – College of Osteopathic Medicine inaugural class earns perfect COMLEX-USA Level 3 first time pass rate