Fort Hays State University opened its doors in 1902 as the western branch of the Kansas Normal School on the grounds of the abandoned Fort Hays military post southwest of Hays. The first building of the current campus, now Picken Hall, was completed in 1904, and the University moved to its present location. The University served the early settlers' needs for educational facilities in the new region.

Today, FHSU has nearly 5,000 students on campus and another 5,500 enrolled in classes through the Virtual College. We continue to fulfill the mission of our earliest years by delivering opportunities for higher education to the 66 counties of western Kansas through certificate, associate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

FHSU is fully accredited by the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission. Many programs have acquired special accreditation through professional organizations in their disciplines.