Fort Hays State University is a public, state-supported institution of higher learning in Hays, Kansas. It was established in 1902 as Western Branch of Kansas Normal School of Emporia. In 1914, it was renamed Fort Hays Kansas State Normal School in honor of its original site on the old Fort Hays military outpost southwest of town, where classes were held from 1902 to 1904. The school was renamed Kansas State Teachers College of Hays in 1923 and then Fort Hays Kansas State College in 1931. The college became Fort Hays State University in 1977.