to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools. Some closed but most steadily expanded their role and became state colleges in the early 20th century and state universities in the late 20th century.
The original campus was what is now Fresno City College.
In 1956, Fresno State moved its campus to its present location in the northeast part of the city; FCC bought the old campus and moved back in. It became Fresno State College in 1949, when it was authorized to grant bachelor's degrees. It became a charter institution of the State College System of California, forerunner of the California State University System, in 1961. In 1972, the name was officially changed to California State University, Fresno.
Even after changing its official name to "California State University, Fresno", the school has long been called "Fresno State" for short, particularly in athletics. In recent years, "Fresno State" has been accepted as first reference for news stories. The university now recommends use of "Fresno …
