The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883 by the state legislature. The school’s original purpose was to serve as a center of higher learning for the people of Texas.
In 1883, the first group of students entered through a small wooden building that eventually became known as Old Main, which still stands today on campus. In the early 1900s, enrollment began to grow rapidly and several new buildings were constructed on campus.
In 1923, the University of Texas at Austin officially became a university and changed its name to The University of Texas at Austin. A few years later, in 1927, William P. Hobby became president and implemented several important changes including expanding admissions requirements and creating a more rigorous curriculum.
During World War II, enrollment increased again because many students left school to join the military or work in defense industries. At this time, many of the older buildings were converted into dormitories so there would be enough housing for all students who wished to attend UT-Austin.
The university started out with just three professors and 34 students, but it quickly grew to become one of the largest universities in the country. It has more than 50,000 students today and is home to some of the most prestigious academic programs in the world. The university offers undergraduate degrees in over 150 areas of study, from business and engineering to art history and theater. The university also has graduate programs in law, medicine, pharmacy and other fields.
