Since its founding MSU Texas has grown from a small local junior college to a member of the Texas Tech University System serving students from every state in the US and many countries. 100 Years of Midwestern State University
- 1922: Founded as Wichita Falls Junior College, the second municipal junior college in Texas, with Dr. Randolph Lee Clark serving as its visionary founder.
- 1937: Acquired a new 40-acre campus; renamed Hardin Junior College following a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. John G. Hardin. The iconic Hardin Building was constructed during this era.
- 1946: Transitioned into a senior college offering junior and senior-level courses, becoming Hardin College. Growth was heavily bolstered by returning veterans using the G.I. Bill after World War II.
- 1950: Became Midwestern University as it began adding postgraduate degrees and earned regional accreditation.
- 1961: The junior college division dissolved, and the school was transferred to the state system, operating as a state-supported university.
- 1975: The Texas Legislature officially changed the institution's name to Midwestern State University.
- 2021: MSU Texas officially joined the Texas Tech University System.
- 2022: The university celebrated its 100th anniversary, commemorating a century of growth from a small local college into a premier public institution.
Established in 1922 as Wichita Falls Junior College it was the second municipal junior college in State of Texas. The first location was in Wichita Falls High School where it shared both the building and faculty. Later, a legislative act and vote of the people of Wichita Falls set up a separate tax district to support the institution.
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 Lombard-Romanesque 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 Army Air Corp opened Sheppard Field, later renamed Sheppard Air Force Base. Since that time, air base personnel and their families have been continuing participants in campus academic programs.
During the years after WWII more change came to the school’s mission and in its name. In 1946, the Senior College Division was added and the name changed 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.
MSU Texas became the fifth member institution of the TTU System in September 2021, a testament to the growth and exceptional reputation of the university throughout the state. In 2022, MSU Texas commemorates 100 years since its inception. With the theme "Spirit Always Bold," the centennial year honors the rich history of the university, celebrates its vibrant present and envisions an exciting future for MSU Texas.
From its beginnings as a municipal junior college housed in a high school building, Midwestern has become a state university and TTU System member 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.