Why did Texas State University, in San Marcos, Tx, change its name from South West Texas State University ?

Question

Why did Texas State University, in San Marcos, Tx, change its name from South West Texas State University ?

Answer 1

Since 1903, when it was Southwest Texas State Normal School, the Texas State Legislature has broadened the institution's scope and has changed its name to reflect its growth and expanded mission.

From 1903 to 2003, in succession, the name of the institution has changed from Southwest Texas State Normal School to Southwest Texas State Normal College to Southwest Texas State University.  

In 2003, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed into law a bill changing the name of Southwest Texas State University to Texas State University-San Marcos.

Proponents of the 2003 name change argued persuasively that the institution's new designation was needed (1) to more accurately reflect the school's geography; (2) to dispel inaccurate portrayals of the 25,000-student institution as a small, regional university; (3) to elevate the institution to a higher status; and (4) to give the institution the recognition that it deserves.

Additionally, Mark Hendricks, Assistant Director of Media Relations and Publications at Texas State University-San Marcos and a graduate of Southwest Texas State University, has stated that the new name has already increased the institution's presitige outside of Texas.  He notes that people have begun to associate Texas State University-San Marcos with other well known state universities like Penn State University, Michigan State University and the Universities that comprise the California State University System.