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Winona State UniversityCelebrating 150 years

Winona State University

History

Founded in 1858 as Winona State Normal School, Winona State University is a comprehensive, regional public university with more than 8,000 students.

Winona AnniversaryAfter it received authorization to grant the bachelor’s degree in 1921, the normal school became Winona State Teachers College; and just before celebrating its centennial was renamed Winona State College to reflect an expanded mission and academic program. Finally, in 1975, it became know as Winona State University, with five colleges: Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Science and Engineering. It is the oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Three campuses now comprise the University: the original Winona campus, the Winona West campus, and the WSU-Rochester Center.

 

Mission Statement

The mission of Winona State University is to educate and enlighten our citizenry at a distinctive institution: a community of learners improving our world.

Quote from President Dr. Judith A. Ramaley

“We are the shared creation of an extraordinary group of people who care deeply about being part of a community of learners and about the responsibility of putting our knowledge and skill to good use….Winona State University is also a product of this special place along the banks of the Upper Mississippi. We have been an integral part of this community from the very beginning when the citizens of the City of Winona contributed $7000 to secure the right to establish the first Normal School west of the Mississippi in the same year that Minnesota became a state.”