Texas Southern University (TSU), a prominent public historically Black university (HBCU), is located in Houston, Texas, United States. Founded in 1927 as the Houston Colored Junior College, it evolved through several name changes and milestones. TSU Diploma Format, In 1947, the Texas Legislature established it as Texas State University for Negroes to provide higher education opportunities for African Americans amid segregation, offering programs comparable to the University of Texas. In 1951, following student advocacy, it was renamed Texas Southern University, dropping the racially specific designation while continuing its mission of access and excellence.
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Today, TSU stands as one of the nation’s largest HBCUs, with a sprawling 150-acre urban campus in Houston’s Third Ward. Its motto, Excellence in Achievement, underscores a commitment to academic rigor, leadership development, and community impact. The university operates through 11 schools and colleges, including the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, College of Science and Technology, and more. It offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, spanning business, law, education, liberal arts, behavioral sciences, pharmacy, engineering technology, and public affairs, with notable strengths in producing African American professionals in law, pharmacy, and education.
Enrollment hovers around 8,600 students (approximately 6,800–7,000 undergraduates based on recent fall 2024 data), drawing a diverse population from across the U.S. and internationally. TSU fosters a vibrant, inclusive community with high social mobility impact—ranked among top performers in this category by U.S. News & World Report (2026 edition places it #395-434 in National Universities and #342 for social mobility).
As a comprehensive doctoral/research institution (R2 classification), TSU emphasizes research, community engagement, and student success through initiatives like the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College and flexible options such as Weekend College. Its athletic teams, the Texas Southern Tigers, compete in NCAA Division I within the Southwestern Athletic Conference, adding school spirit. With a legacy of overcoming barriers and empowering generations, TSU prepares graduates as innovative leaders contributing to Houston, Texas, and beyond.
