The Mindanao State University, founded on September 1, 1961 through Republic Act 1387 and Republic Act 1893, has evolved over the years in keeping with national and local developments. The brain-child of late Senator, Domocao Alonto, it has grows from its main campus Marawi City to a University System that now comprises several campuses located in major centers in Mindanao and Sulu. Its first president was Dr. Antonio Isidro who came in from his position as the Vice President for Academic Affairs in the University of the Philippines.
The mandates of the University are, namely: (1) To perform the traditional functions of a university namely: instruction, research and extension service; (2) To help accelerate the program of the integration among the peoples of Southern Philippines, particularly the Muslims and other cultural minorities, and (3) To provide trained manpower skills and technical know how for the economic development of the Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan (MINSUPALA) region. Furthermore, MSU’s current vision is “to be a premier supra-regional university committed to the social, political and economic development of Mindanao while achieving international recognition as leading institution of higher learning.” Its mission statement is as follows:
“Committed to the attainment of peace and sustainable development in the MINSUPALA region, the MSU System will set the standards of excellence in science, arts , technology, and other fields; accelerate the economic, cultural, socio-political, and agro-industrial development of the Muslim and other cultural groups, thereby facilitating their integration into the national community, preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the region and conserve its natural resources; and infuse moral and spiritual values. For collaborative efforts, for diplomatic relations, and for international recognition as a leading institution of higher learning, the MSU System will pursue vigorously linkages with foreign agencies.”
The initial batch of students to enroll in the University on June 13, 1962 passed the scholarship examination administered by the National Science Development Board. They comprised two-hundred and eighty-two (282) freshmen students who were top 5% of their respective high schools in the MINSUPALA region. Their teachers were: twelve (12) regular Filipino faculty members and a number of volunteers from the British Voluntary Service Overseas, Volunteers in Asia, Ford Foundation, Fulbright Foundation and others. Baccalaureate courses were offered at that time by the pioneering colleges: Liberal Arts, Education and Community Development to which four more were added in the subsequent school year 1964-65 – Agriculture, Fisheries, Business Administration and Engineering. In July 1969, one more college was added – the College of Forestry.
