Minnesota State University, Mankato

From its founding in 1868 as Mankato Normal School, serving 27 students, this has been an institution where big ideas meet real-world thinking.

The school became Mankato State Teachers College in 1921, Mankato State College in 1957 and Mankato State University in 1975. In 1998, it took the name that stands today—Minnesota State University, Mankato. Although our first graduates earned one-or two-year degrees to become teachers, the University has been granting four-year degrees in a growing number of disciplines since 1927. The first master’s degrees were awarded in 1954, and the first doctorate was conferred in 2009.

Minnesota State Mankato is led by Dr. Richard Davenport, who became the 12th president of the University on July 1, 2002. President Davenport and the faculty, students and staff are committed to solving problems, finding solutions and making life better for people throughout our state, our region and our global society.

THE PLACE

• Approximately 85 miles southwest of the Twins Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota State Mankato sits atop 303 acres overlooking the Minnesota River Valley. The Greater Mankato area has a population of 101,647.
• Minnesota State Mankato also serves students in the metropolitan area with more than 25 programs available at locations in the Twin Cities, including graduate education in business, educational leadership and nursing. At least 50 programs (degree and certificate) are also available either completely online or paired with some classroom study.
• Minnesota State Mankato adds $781 million annually to the Mankato economy (2019 Minnesota State system study.)