Midwestern State University

Midwestern State University is a leading public liberal arts university committed to providing students with rigorous undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and the professions. Through an emphasis upon teaching, augmented by the opportunity for students to engage in research and creative activities alongside faculty and to participate in co-curricular and service programs, Midwestern State prepares its graduates to embark upon their careers or pursue advanced study. The university’s undergraduate education is based upon a comprehensive arts and sciences core curriculum. The understanding that students gain of themselves, others, and the social and natural world prepares them to contribute constructively to society through their work and through their private lives.

Living on campus is affordable, convenient, and engaging. As a growing residential campus, MSU enjoys some of the best facilities and services in Texas public higher education to help students live, lead and learn.

With more than 100 student organizations, a thriving Greek system, and frequent activities of a social, cultural, recreational, service, or leadership nature, MSU has something for everyone.

State-of-the-art fitness facilities, dedicated health and counseling services, and free community transportation options contribute to MSU’s ongoing commitment to students’ safety and well-being.

Whether it’s starting out as a new student, paying the bills, finding an internship, or discovering one’s professional interests, MSU has the staff and services to keep students on their path to success.

Providing equal access to educational, social, and recreational programs through the coordination of services and reasonable accommodations, consultation and advocacy.

The mission of the Midwestern State University Counseling Center is to provide opportunities for students to know themselves as individuals, to form deeper relationships with their peers, and to increase their wellness. The staff of the MSU Counseling Center provides these opportunities through individual and group counseling services, consultation, and mental health educational programs focused on key student development issues and reflecting concern for holistic health and wellness. As providers of mental health services to the student population, the staff is guided by the highest professional and ethical standards of their professions. Our personal,academic, and career counseling services are directed towards enhancing the skills which students bring with them to MSU and encouraging the development of skills which will increase their success both at MSU and beyond.

Since its founding in 1922, Midwestern State University has grown from a local junior college to a regional state university serving a wide and varied public.

Created in 1922 as Wichita Falls Junior College, the second municipal junior college in Texas, its earliest home was in Wichita Falls High School with which it shared both the building and faculty. Later, a legislative act and a vote of the people of Wichita Falls set up a separate tax district to support the junior college.

In 1937, the college acquired a new, 40-acre campus of its own on the south side of town. Rising above the pastures and wheat fields was the recently finished Hardin Building, an impressive Spanish colonial structure which was presided over by a lofty bell tower. Also in that year the college was renamed Hardin Junior College in honor of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Hardin.

During World War II, the establishment of Sheppard Field, later renamed Sheppard Air Force Base, added to the college’s public. Since that time, air base personnel and their families have been continuing participants in the campus academic programs.

The post World War II years brought more change in the school’s mission and in its name. In 1946, the senior college division was added and accordingly the name was altered to Hardin College. In January 1950, the name changed to Midwestern University, the junior division remaining Hardin Junior College. In these years, wider recognition came to the school. In March 1948, the university became a member of the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In January 1959, the university added a graduate school, which received full approval from the State Board of Education in August of that year.

A further change in the school’s status came September 1, 1961, when by action of the 56th Legislature of the State of Texas, Midwestern University became a part of the Texas Colleges and Universities System and the junior college division was dissolved. In 1975, the Texas Legislature changed the name to Midwestern State University.

From its beginnings as a municipal junior college housed in a high school building, Midwestern has become a state university whose campus of 255 acres and 70 buildings offers a wide variety of academic programs in liberal and fine arts, mathematics, sciences, business, and applied sciences.