St. Cloud State Names (1869-present)

In 1858, Minnesota's first state legislature authorized that three "normal" schools be established within the next 15 years. The purpose of these "normal" schools was to "educate and prepare teachers for teaching in the Common Schools of this State..." The first normal school opened its doors in Winona in 1860 (but closed shortly after that due to the Civil War, reopening in 1864), the second opened in Mankato in 1868, and the third in St. Cloud in 1869.

According to Minnesota state legislative acts, here are St. Cloud State's names since 1869.

• 9/1869-1873: Third State Normal School
• 1873-1921: State Normal School at St. Cloud
• 1921-1957:  St. Cloud State Teachers College
• 1957-7/1975: St. Cloud State College
• 8/1975-present: St. Cloud State University