The University Star: A Chronicle of Texas State University

The University Star, also known as The Star, stands as a testament to the rich history and evolution of Texas State University. As the student-run news organization, it has documented the institution's journey since its inception, providing a platform for student voices and a record of campus life.

The Genesis of a Student Newspaper

The story of The University Star began in February 1911, when Fred W. Adams, a 20-year-old student and son of the founder of Adams Extract and Spice Company, proposed the creation of a student newspaper to the college president. Adams assured the president that he would cover any printing costs not covered by advertising. With the student body's approval, the newspaper, initially named the Normal Star, was born, becoming a vital tool for documenting the institution’s history.

From Normal School to University: A Name Reflects Growth

As Southwest Texas State Normal School evolved, so did its student newspaper. In 1923, when the normal school became a college, the newspaper's title changed to the College Star. This name reflected the institution's expanding academic offerings and growing student body. The final name change occurred in 1969, when the college officially became a university, and the newspaper adopted the name University Star, a title it holds to this day.

Over the course of its history, issue publication schedules and physical size/format change frequently.

A Witness to History

The University Star has been a steadfast presence on campus, publishing continuously through significant historical events, including the Great Depression, two world wars, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars. Its archives offer a unique glimpse into how these events impacted the university community and how students responded to the challenges and opportunities of their time.

Editorially Independent: A Voice for the Students

The University Star prides itself on being editorially independent from Texas State University. This means that student journalists make all decisions about what to cover and how, without any influence from the university administration. The Star's journalism is by students, for students, striving to uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics. The newsroom serves as a learning experience, fostering the next generation of journalists and media professionals.

Location and Distribution

The University Star is located in the Trinity Building on the Texas State University campus at 203 Pleasant Street. The main phone number is 512-245-3487. The Star prints 3,300 newspapers each Tuesday during the long semesters, distributing them at locations across campus and the city of San Marcos. The Star has the largest newsroom covering San Marcos.

Centennial Celebration

During the 2010-11 academic year, the University Star celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of student journalism and service to the Texas State community. The Star has a daily distribution of 8,000 in the fall and spring semesters. It is produced on Tuesdays and distributed throughout the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses and San Marcos community. Content is produced twice during the summer, and has a distribution of 8,000 copies.

Coverage and Content

The Star covers local issues, controversies, and events pertaining to the university, San Marcos, Hays County, and higher education. It also hosts the Star Stories event each year to highlight the first-person stories of those in our Texas State community.

Documenting Black History at Texas State

The University Star has played a crucial role in documenting the history of the Black community at Texas State. The newspaper has covered events such as "Black Awareness Week," which highlighted activities led by Umoja, the first campus organization for Black students.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

In February, the "63 Years of TXST Black History" exhibit was held in collaboration with Student Involvement & Engagement and the Special Collections & Archives department to display the growth of the Black community and culture at Texas State. The exhibit featured frames displaying information about various aspects of Black history at Texas State, including:

Umoja and "Black Awareness Week"
The visit of Prairie View A&M students to Southwest Texas University
Southwest Texas' Black History Month celebration and demonstrators following Martin Luther King Jr.'s death
The "Freedom Five" and a video of a minute-long poem
Drew Fucci, Charles Austin, and Johnny Brown
The Xi Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
The Ebony's Platers performance of "A Raisin in the Sun"
Delta Sigma Theta
Marcellus Alexander, Shirley Harris, Corey Benbow, Elvin Holt, Freedom Hall, Earl Moseley, and Carrington Tatum
Director Thomas Carter and a design representing Texas State's first Black-focused Homecoming celebration
An Ensemble Theatre production and an edited copy of "The Night of Baker's End" script by playwright Ted Shine

The exhibit highlighted the achievements of Black students, faculty, and staff, as well as the challenges they faced. It also emphasized the importance of representation and remembering campus history.

Black History Month is a celebration as much as it is a call to reflection. At TXST one of the most defining moments in the university’s history happened on Feb. We also recognize Shirley R. Harris, the first Black student to graduate from Southwest Texas State College, earning her bachelor’s degree in education in May of 1967. Black excellence has also thrived through student leadership organizations. For BSA, Black History Month is about honoring the foundation of those before us while continuing to build on it. We host educational programs, community events, or events that allow us to all be in the room together. Black history at Texas State is a story of students who walked on this campus in 1963 knowing they were going into something unfamiliar. It is the story of perseverance in the face of feeling unwanted. Black History Month reminds us that representation matters and remembering our campus history matters.