University History: University Star

University Archives

Alkek Library, Room 580

Research by appointment

Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

univarchives.txstate.edu

The University Archives is physically located on the 5^th floor of the Alkek Library.  In-person and virtual research assistance is generally available Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm (excluding holidays and energy conservation days). 

Research appointments are required for in-person research to allow time for retrieval of offsite materials, to reserve research space, and to allow staff to sanitize the space between researchers.  Walk-in assistance is dependent on staff and space availability, as researchers with appointments are given priority.  Masks are encouraged. 

To request virtual or in-person assistance, please Ask an Archivist. 

The student newspaper began in 1911 as the Normal Star.  The University Archives holds an incomplete collection of the Normal Star; all issues we do have are now digitized.

When the Southwest Texas State Normal School changed its name to the Southwest Texas State Normal College in 1923, the name of the student newspaper changed to the College Star. 

Finally, when the college became Southwest Texas State University in 1969, the name of the newspaper changed to the University Star.

A list of all of Texas State's names is available on the History and Traditions page.

While the University Archives has been able to take advantage of micro grants to fund digitization of the early years of the Star, we still have many years that need to be digitized.  If you or someone you know would be interested in funding digitization, let us know!   We are still seeking grant funding, but would also be happy to work with other campus departments for crowdfunding and finding donors to help with the cost.

All other years of the College Star and University Star (1934-2003) are available on microfilm.